Budding performers from across Norfolk will be showing off their skills in the hit musical Les Misérables.

The school edition of the show, which was turned into a hit film, will be opening at the Sheringham Little Theatre this Friday night.

The production will run until Saturday April 19 and is made up of about 30 youngsters, aged between eight and 19, mainly from across north Norfolk including Sheringham High School, Alysham High School, Gresham's and Cromer Academy.

Norwich singer and actor Zaira Palumbo, 19, a former Sprowston High School pupil, who is currently on a gap year before beginning her studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, plays the lead role of Fantine in the show.

Classically trained soprano Zaira, head chorister in the Broadland Youth Choir, said: 'It is a tough show to do but our director is fantastic and it is all coming together very well.

'I think it will be a very dramatic performance. We have worked hard on the fighting and barricade scenes and there will be some really superb singing.'

It has been directed by Tracy Loftus who said the cast was privileged to take part in a workshop with Killian Donnelly and Fra Fee, stars of the award-winning Hollywood blockbuster and hit West End versions of the musical.

Based on the book by Victor Hugo, and with music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, the musical is set against the backdrop of 19th century France.

Debbie Thompson, director of the little theatre, said: 'This is certainly an ambitious production for us. It has been an incredible opportunity for all those involved and will be a wonderful show to watch.'

Tickets cost £11 or £8 for under 18s. To book visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call 01263 822347.

The show will be performed at 7.30pm and 2.30pm matinees will be shown on April 12 and 19.

To view a video of cast performing a Les Misérables flashmob at the little theatre visit www.northnorfolknews.co.uk