Stoke-on-Trent youth prepare for Les Misérables

Stoke of Genius:

Stoke-on-Trent's TDA Productions return with the musical extravaganza of Les Misérables this August.

The youth-led theatre group will perform at the Stoke Repertory Theatre on Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent, with all profits going to the Joe Gilligan Trust.

Anyone aged between nine and 19 in full-time education, other than university, is able to be apart of the cast, orchestra or backstage team.

The recent 2012 Oscar-winning film adaptation was a global phenomenon featuring Hollywood actors such as Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway.

Tom Attwood, 19, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Musical Director and Co-producer Elliot Clay began TDA Productions over a year ago.

Director and Co-producer Tom said: "It's such a powerful and moving story and one that touches so many people, and due to the recent film success it seemed appropriate to draw on what aspects the stage production can bring.

"It was one of the first shows I've ever seen and was a reason why I wanted to be a performer and a director. It really inspired."

Originally an 1862 novel by Victor Hugo, the classic story was later adapted into the world's longest-running musical.

Having been jailed for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread, French peasant Jean Valjean goes on a quest of redemption and could never have anticipated the incredible things he would later experience.

The adult themes and musical score have been adapted slightly for the Schools' Edition.

Tom added: "We wanted to create something to help guide young people into the theatre and it's really been a snowball effect.

"In July we staged Disney's Beauty and the Beast and managed to raise £8,000 for The Joe Gilligan Trust."

Anyone looking to audition must attend a pre-audition workshop on either March 28, April 1 or Apr 3 between 7.30-9.30pm.

Auditions take place on Thursday 4 April at 9.30-4pm at St Giles Church, Church Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Extra auditions and call backs will be on the following Saturday.

Interested in getting involved?

Visit Facebook, Twitter, email tdaproductions@aol.com or watch the video below to find out more about the production.