From the moment the lights came up on the convicts belting out Look Down, to the standing ovation, I was entranced by the sheer talent on stage and their ability to tell this powerful story.

Curtain Call Creative were performing Les Miserables (school edition) at Medina Theatre.

Simon Apsey embodied the man character of Valjean in a way that is rare in such a young performer. His rich tenor voice and wonderful acting drew empathy and had many of the audience in tears.

His nemesis, Javert, was played with maturity and passion by Ebb Phillips. Ebb’s powerful voice rang out as he dominated the stage.

Ellie Warne as Fantine conveyed her gradual downfall perfectly, and her delivery of the poignant I Dreamed a Dream was completely on point.

Ellie Pike’s beautiful soprano voice evoked the tenderness and emotion of Cosette’s scenes with Marius, played by Tom Thorne, who perfectly conveyed his torn loyalties.

Enid Rees was perfect as Eponine, engaging our sympathy for her hopeless love for Marius.

The rebels worked seamlessly, belting out Red and Black, manning the barricades – and here I must mention the deceptively simple yet multifunctional set.

Rafe Hodge-Thomas as the rebel leader Enjoiras dominates the group and embodies total belief in his cause.

I was mesmerised by Oliver Back as Gavroche – for such a young actor he absolutely nailed the cheeky, slightly cocky boy who slips through the barricades.

Special mention must be made of Alfie Luke and Katy Haggerty’s rousing performances as the appalling but hilarious Thenadiers.

Although the principals were brilliant, the power of Les Miserables rests on the chorus pieces, and every single member of the cast contributed to the amazing singing and heart-rending scenes of poverty, battle and struggle for survival.

I would love to mention each one by name – please know however, if you were on that stage, you were amazing!

Adding to the atmosphere was the support of the brilliant live orchestra which underpinned the emotions of each song, and a mention must be made of Andrew Woodford and his creative team who together brought this young cast to such a high standard.

Curtain Call Creative absolutely smashed it!