Backwell School Productions 2.72

_Les Misérables_
Poignant and powerful, Victor Hugo’s epic tale highlights the devastating effects of social inequality and the importance of compassion. The musical stage show has become a global phenomenon.

Set in 19th Century France, Jean Valjean has been incarcerated in the infamous Toulon Prison for five years for stealing a loaf of bread – he has served a further 14 more years for repeated attempts to escape. Upon his release a prison guard Javert reminds him that he will always be marked as a thief by the yellow ticket of leave that he must carry with him at all times.

Valjean quickly learns that because he is a branded as a thief, he cannot make a living or find a place to stay. He discovers that to a paroled man, the outside world is little more than another jail. He sees the law as having cursed his life. In the town of Digne, a Bishop allows Valjean to stay in his house overnight. The bitter Valjean steals some silver from the Bishop and is questioned by constables. Valjean lies and says the Bishop gave him the silver. The Bishop not only backs up his lie, but gives him two silver candlesticks as well, asking that he use the silver to become an honest man. Valjean is overwhelmed by the Bishop's kindness. He realises the Bishop has given him a chance to reclaim his soul. He decides to tear up his yellow ticket of leave and begin a new life with a new identity. Another story begins… a chase, a romance, a revolution!