A CHELMSFORD theatre group for youngsters is celebrating 50 years of shows with an unforgettable performance of Les Miserables

Chelmsford Young Generation will take on the hit musical next month to mark the anniversary of its first performance in 1968.

The group formed in an attempt to give youngsters with a passion for performance the chance to be involved in large scale musical productions.

The show director, Jimmy Hooper, said: “Les Miserables is not only one of the most loved musicals in the world, but is also a huge undertaking.

“With a complex story and difficult score, our kids have shown that they are not afraid with this challenge and in typical ‘Young Gen’ style tackled it with gusto and sheer professionalism.

“Rehearsals have been long, but extremely fun and rewarding. I am always in awe of the talent and hard work that our kids endeavour to achieve, and this will be an epic production for everyone to enjoy, just purely down to these amazing kids”.

Following NODA Awards for ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘13’, Jimmy Hooper returns to direct Les Miserables School Edition, with Musical Direction from Bryan Cass.

With over 100 international awards, Les Miserables is a musical phenomenon.

Set against the backdrop of 19th Century France, the story explores love, justice, sacrifice and redemption, in an epic story about the survival of human spirit.

With one of the most fantastic scores of all time, Les Miserables School Edition includes ‘One Day More’, ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, ‘Stars’, ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’ and many more. Plus a story with some of the most memorable characters to ever grace a stage.

Chelmsford Young Generation Amateur Musical Society began in 1968 with the aim of providing young people with the chance to be involved in large scale musical theatre.

With a HQ in Meteor Way, Chelmsford Young Gen has given thousands of eight to 18-year-olds the opportunity to perform in fantastic music productions, winning critical acclaim and many awards.

The production will be performed six times during November.

Evening performances are booked for November 6, 7, and 8, and will cost £16 per ticket – as well as a matinee performance on Saturday, November 10.

Evening performances for November 9 and 10 will cost £17 per ticket.

To book tickets visit the Civic Theatre Box Office, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG or call 01245 606505.