YOUNG actors staging a West End blockbuster have been getting top tips from professionals who were in the production.

Mark Goldthorpe and Jean McGlynn, who appeared in Les Miserables at the Palace Theatre, London, led a workshop for Durham's Gala Theatre Stage School, ahead of the opening night tonight of the school's production of the popular musical.

Sixty-five youngsters aged 13 to 19 will be taking part in the show and will be using a revolving stage, just as the West End and Broadway productions did.

Stage school director Lisa Thorner, who is leaving after three years to train at the Royal Academy of Music, said: "It is a good show to finish.

"I have always wanted to do it.

"The revolving stage was used to move characters around without moving furniture off it and the kids have to walk off it and need training on how to do that. It is the first time we've had a revolving stage here.

"It is phenomenal the talent we have here and what they have achieved in the last three years.''

Les Miserables runs until Saturday at 7.30pm with matinees at 2.30pm on Thursday and Saturday.

Tonight and Saturday are sold out but there are plenty of tickets left for the other performances.

Tickets cost £12 for evening performances (£10.20 for pensioners, £9 for friends, £6 students and children) and £7.50 for matinees and are available from the box office on 0191-332 4041.

Published: 02/08/2005