EXCITEMENT is building at Ilkley Amateur Operatic Society, as its youth members approach final rehearsals for the schools version of Les Misérables. Based on the famous book by Victor Hugo, Les Mis is the longest-running musical in the West End and has some of the most well-known and best-loved songs in musical theatre, including I Dreamed a Dream, Bring Him Home, One Day More and Stars. Les Mis tells the story of Jean Valjean, a prisoner who breaks parole and is henceforth pursued by the ruthless police inspector, Javert.

One of the difficulties of staging the show is building the barricade, an integral part of the set, and recreating the look and feel of post-revolutionary France. “With over three hundred different costumes, and the difficulty of constructing a barricade which will remain stable on the notoriously steep King’s Hall stage, it’s been a challenge,” said Director Mark Allan, who has produced several hugely popular shows for the society in recent years, “but with the most amazingly talented and hard-working young cast I have ever had the privilege of working with, I can’t wait for opening night. I have no doubt that our audiences will be blown away.”

The show runs at the King’s Hall Ilkley from November 1 to 4. Tickets cost £15/£13 and have been selling fast. Book online at www.ilkleyoperatic.co.uk or by calling 07763816611. Performances are Wednesday to Friday 7.15pm and Saturday 1.30pm and 6.30pm.