MAYFLOWER Theatre’s summer youth production of Les Misérables School Edition this August will be the first external production performed at The Dobson Theatre at King Edward VI School Southampton.

Originally the production was due to run at Thornden Hall however, due to unforeseen structural damage, the Mayflower Theatre needed a new venue for the 105 local young people to rehearse and perform their production.

Michael Ockwell, the Mayflower Theatre Chief Executive, said: “I am thrilled that King Edward VI School has been able to step in, late in the day, for us to use their excellent new facilities.

“With our own theatre in the middle of a multi-million-pound refurbishment we wanted to ensure that we would still be able to run a summer youth production this year.

“I would like to thank Thornden Hall for the use of their facilities for auditions and transition to the new venue. We look forward to a successful two weeks at the Dobson Theatre and for our audiences to enjoy the very best production of Les Misérables School Edition.”

Julian Thould, King Edward VI School Headmaster added: “King Edward’s has been part of the fabric of Southampton for over 465 years, and we have increased our connections with the local community significantly in recent times.

“Welcoming in members of the public through our partnerships with local primary schools, our Science and Arts Festivals, and hosting the Mayflower Summer Youth production, are part of that commitment.

“Our state-of-the-art Dobson Theatre opened in September 2017 and has been a wonderful addition to our creative arts provision.

“We have enjoyed a number of drama productions this year, including Beauty and the Beast, And Then There Were None and Treasure Island in front of large and enthusiastic audiences.

“Whilst our pupils and staff have always enjoyed attending Mayflower productions, we are absolutely delighted now to be hosting Les Miserables and expect this to be the start of an exciting new partnership with the Mayflower Theatre.”

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables School Edition tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption.

Ex-convict Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole.

When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Customers who had purchased tickets for Les Misérables School Edition at Thornden Hall will be contacted by Mayflower Theatre box office to change their tickets to the new venue.

The cast of the upcoming Mayflower summer youth project production of Les Misérables School Edition which runs from August 10-12 met for the first time this month at a performance of National Theatre’s War Horse.

For more information or to book tickets, please visit: www.mayflower.org.uk or call 02380 711811.