MATA - Minehead Amateur Theatre Association - is on the look out for young talent to appear in the musical Les Miserables (Schools Edition).

Currently, apart from the West End show itself, the only performers allowed to be cast in the show must be of school or college age.

This makes the MATA show a rare opportunity to be part of the popular, moving musical - and for others to see it locally.

Auditions are being held next weekend (March 8 and 9) at the Regal Theatre and the show will run from August from August 14 to 23, but closed on the Sunday.

Singers and actors auditioning need to be aged 19 and under and in full time education. There are many lead roles and solo parts, including the ex-convict Jean ValJean around whom the story is based, the quietly brave and beautiful Eponine and the hilarious innkeeper and his wife Monsieur and Madame Thernardier.

Songs from the show, which include I Dreamed a Dream, Bring Him Home, One Day More and On My Own, will be accompanied by a 13-piece orchestra - and each member of the company will have a chance to perform in ensemble pieces.

Les Miserables, set against the backdrop of 19th century France, is full of drama, humour and passion so a strong and committed cast is needed to take it on.

Rehearsals will begin shortly after the auditions and will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. They give the benefit of professional music tuition plus dance and performance coaching from the experienced production team.

Auditions on Saturday (March 8) from 2pm until 5pm are for those in school years 5 to 9 auditioning for Gavroche, Young Cosette and Young Eponine. On March 9, from 10am to 5pm, for school years 9 to 13 for the full cast and chorus auditions. Call backs will be from 11am to 5pm on March 15. Bring a packed lunch for the auditions on March 9 and 15.

For more information contact Sarah Jane Cross on 01984 641674 or email Lorraine Ahern at [email protected]">[email protected].