School shines in musical premiere (From Penarth Times)

School shines in musical premiere

A PENARTH school made history by performing the premiere of a musical newly adapted for schools.

Les Miserables was performed at Stanwell Comprehensive school last week and was watched by Sir Cameron Mackintosh.

The world famous producer personally chose Stanwell for the European premiere.

Sir Cameron said: "So many of the stars I have put in shows have come from Wales. Ken Caswell, who has staged Les Miserables for me around the world, comes from very near Cardiff, and he recommended Stanwell."

He added that the staff at the school had given their all to make the play a success. The rights were granted to the school as part of the International Festival of Musical Theatre in Cardiff.

The cast of 120 pupils rehearsed before the term started. They were assisted by 30 production staff and the school orchestra.

Even with the cast members being no older than 18, there were no signs that the musical hadn't been done by professionals.

The show was given a standing ovation as the audience were in awe of such mature performances.

Les Miserables is the third longest-running musical in British theatre history and is based on Victor Hugo's novel of the same name.

More than 43 million people have seen the show since it opened in 1985 at the Barbican Theatre, London.

Set in the early 19th century, the show is the story of Jean Valjean who steals a loaf of bread and is condemned to prison.

He eventually gets a pardon and becomes a respected mayoral figure.

The play was a huge success and played to a packed house every night.

Stanwell's head of performing arts Jan Richards said: "We are very experienced at putting on shows, but this production was very special."