YOUNG actors and musicians have embarked on a onc- in-a-lifetime experience with most ambitious production to date.

Ripon Grammar School’s spectacular production of the school edition of Les Miserables is runs for four nights from March 18.

The show is not licensed to any group with performers aged over 19 - so most among the grammar school’s teenage cast will not get the chance again.

Director Laura Jackson said the production was an exciting challenge for the actors, musicians and technical crew.

"The recent film has revived interest in the show and we have seen a very good response from parents, friends and the wider community who want to come and see our production at Ripon Grammar School," she said.

The show is especially demanding for musicians who have faced learning four books of score with minimal breaks in music throughout the complex, two-hour performance.

Musical director of the pit orchestra Beth Morpeth said: "Les Mis is sung through which means there is music going on all the time, even during scene changes. It's been a really good experience for the students because everyone has to be on top of their game.”

The show offers little respite for the actors too - they either sing or perform recitative delivery throughout the performance - while the staging and technical crews have to fit a grand piano into the pit orchestra as well as find space for a 50-strong ensemble.

Curtain up is at 7pm from March 18-21. For more information and to book seats visit ripongrammar.co.uk