WEST End star Scott Garnham, from Ryedale, has been lending his expertise to the cast of York Light Youth’s forthcoming production of Les Miserables School Edition.

“On a Sunday afternoon, the cast members arrived for their usual rehearsal, but this was not going to be a usual rehearsal,” says musical director Mike Thompson. “A very special guest, who had appeared in the highly successful West End production of Les Misérables for more than two years, was waiting for them: Scott Garnham.

“He frequently played the main characters of the young lover Marius and the charismatic student Enjolras, so was the ideal person to deliver a workshop on acting through song.”

The 56-strong cast of 11 to 18-year-olds thoroughly enjoyed the workshop.

“They found Scott’s input extremely helpful when they went on to set action scenes from the musical,” says Mike.

“Scott commented that these were ‘some of the most talented young people I have ever had the pleasure to work with and I wish I could see the show’, but he’s now appearing in Made In Dagenham in the West End so he won’t be able to see York Light Youth’s cast perform later this month.”

The cast, picked from more than 100 who auditioned in July, have been working on the production for ten weeks under Mike and director John Hall.

“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the high level of young talent and we’re convinced that this will be one of the most exciting and emotional not-to-be-missed events in musical theatre in York this year.”

Rehearsals for Les Misérables School Edition are now reaching their climax in preparation for the production run from October 31 to November 8 at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York.

Performances start at 7.30pm with matinees on the two Saturdays at 2.30pm. Tickets are available at the York Theatre Royal box office, on 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.