Ian Clarke The curtain goes up soon on Dereham Operatic Society Youth Theatre Company's ambitious production of Les Miserables.And it's a case of keep it in the family as four members of the Woods clan play key roles in the schools version of the smash hit musical.

Ian Clarke

The curtain goes up soon on Dereham Operatic Society Youth Theatre Company's ambitious production of Les Miserables.

And it's a case of keep it in the family as four members of the Woods clan play key roles in the schools version of the smash hit musical.

A talented group of performers and behind the scenes crew are preparing for the show, which is being staged at Dereham Memorial Hall from March 26-29.

And at the heart of the team are director Jeanie Woods, her husband Mervyn who is stage manager, daughter Kelly, 27, - a former DOSYTCo member turned professional dancer who is now back in Dereham and is choreographer - and youngest son Aidan, 16, who plays Mr Thenardier.

“We live it and love it,” said Jeanie, who has been involved with the youth theatre company for 11 years and is now chairman. “It is so nice doing something where my family is part of it.”

Mervyn joked: “I would be left at home on my own if I was not involved! I really enjoy it and at home we live and breath DOSYTCo. We do have one or two arguments - and I'm always wrong!”

Kelly said: “It is lovely doing something together.”

In the past there have been two other Woods juniors in DOSYTCo as well - but Luke, 21, and Gavin, 25, are now away with the touring Shakespeare For Kids show.

Aidan said he had got used to being the youngest and said there was never a shortage of things to talk about over the dinner table!

Les Miserables is being shown daily at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on the final day.

Tickets cost £6.50-£8.50 and are available from Hallmark in Nelson Place. Tel: 01362 851919.