I WASN'T sure what to expect from a schools edition' of Les Mis'. This show is difficult enough for adults to perform let alone youngsters aged 11-19.

The show was the first to be performed by the newly-formed Stampede Company.

Most will be familiar with the show, thought by some to be one of the finest musicals ever written. It has a brilliant score with heart stirring music and a story revolving around the dreadful time in French history of the the Revolution. Not a lot of laughs!

Professionally I believe it was nicknamed The Glums'.

The schools' edition is a slightly shortened version and I understand there are many rules and restrictions on production. However, this was a wonderful first offering from Stampede. With youngsters as talented as these and a fine production team how could they go wrong.

Director Richard Lloyd, vocal coach Lisa Colman, Musical Director Sylvia Shepherd and choreographer Rachel McGuire brought out the best in these youngsters.

Andy Lunn was also involved as Technical Director.

The Les Mis' score needs first-class voices and from chorus through to principals this show had them. Chorus numbers were exhilarating. One Day More' was superb.

Movement and effort by these young people was exceptional.

The principals were all outstanding with their acting and singing of such a high standard, difficult as this show must have been for them.

My heart went out to Roger Roley who worked so hard in the difficult role of Valjean. His singing and control of the beautiful Bring Him Home' was a credit to him and the applause he received was well deserved.

Javert was strongly played and sung by Nick Tobias whilst Cosette was beautifully played by Antonia Gentile. What a lovely singing voice with wonderful top notes.

Heart Full Of Love' is a poignant duet and this was sung so well by Antonia and Ben Tomlinson, who played Marius.

Kara Bayer and Daniella Laughlin were both impressive in the quite different roles of Fantine and Eponine.

As Thenardier Joe Morrow excelled, always relishing these extrovert roles.

Together with Georgina Midgley playing an excellent Madame Thenardier, and the company he had the only upbeat number with the show stopping Master of the House'. Chris Bevan was a stirring Enrolas.

On the first night Little Cosette and Gavroche were sensitively played by Emily Hobson and Tom Weston.

These two roles were shared with Abbie Hill and Jack Stevenson.

The set was effective, the Barricade scene was impressive with excellent lighting and costumes were good with just some attention needed to the boys' outfits in the wedding scene. The first night also brought difficulties with the sound system.

The large orchestra was always sensitive to the singers and at times the singing was simply beautiful.

The young cast deserve praise for a worthy first production by this new company.

The first President of the new society is Leslie Appleyard, the local NODA representative.