Auditions for Les Misérables School Edition in Horsforth

Here’s some exciting news for all the aspiring stars out there. A youth theatre company that’s been making some serious waves is expanding, and it’s on the hunt for talent. After a smash-hit debut in Wakefield, the team at Powerhouse is setting up a new branch in Leeds Bradford. And what are they kicking things off with? Only one of the biggest musicals ever, Les Misérables: School Edition. This is a massive chance for young people who love to sing, dance, and act to get involved in a professional-level production.

So, what’s Powerhouse all about?

Imagine a youth theatre group that treats its members like they’re already West End professionals. That’s the idea behind Powerhouse. It was founded in 2025 by Andrew Ashley and Andy Fretwell, a duo with some serious theatre credentials. They’re the creative minds behind the well-known Diva Productions, so they know a thing or two about putting on a brilliant show. Their goal with Powerhouse was simple: create a space where the talent of tomorrow can be nurtured through top-quality musical theatre experiences. They didn’t just talk the talk. Their first branch in Wakefield launched in January 2025 with a fresh take on Les Misérables: School Edition. The result? Sold-out crowds and glowing five-star reviews. It proved that when young performers are given a real challenge and professional guidance, they can achieve incredible things. This isn't just about putting on a play; it's about creating a large-scale musical that feels every bit as epic as a professional production. The whole theatre company is built on this idea of pushing boundaries and helping young actors grow.

The next stop: Leeds Bradford

After the storming success in Wakefield, it was only a matter of time before Powerhouse looked to expand across Yorkshire. The next location on their map is Leeds Bradford, with the new branch set to open its doors in early 2026. They’re looking to tap into the fantastic creative energy the region is known for and find the next generation of stars.

Artistic Director Andrew Ashley seems genuinely buzzing about it.

“After the incredible success of Powerhouse Wakefield, we’re thrilled to bring the same opportunity to young people in Leeds & Bradford.”

“West Yorkshire is full of creative energy, and we can’t wait to discover new voices and give them the chance to shine in one of the world’s greatest musicals.”

Producer Andy Fretwell adds that the core mission remains the same.

“Our aim has always been to challenge and inspire young performers by treating them like professionals.”

“Les Misérables is the perfect show to launch Powerhouse Leeds Bradford; it’s powerful, emotional and offers amazing opportunities for young actors and singers to showcase their talent.”

The final production is scheduled to hit the stage at the Bradford Playhouse in Summer 2026, promising a huge platform for the cast.

A bit about the show: a story of hope and revolution

If you’ve heard of Les Misérables: School Edition but aren’t quite sure what it’s about, think of an epic story set in 19th-century France. It’s a time of great upheaval, not long after the famous French Revolution, and the story follows a man named Jean Valjean. He’s just been released from 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving family. Pretty harsh, right? He decides to break his parole and start a new life, but a ruthless police inspector named Javert is determined to track him down.

The story follows Valjean over many years as he tries to be a good man, all while being hunted. Along the way, the story sweeps up a cast of memorable characters, from the tragic Fantine to the heroic students fighting for a better Paris. It's a tale packed with big emotions, exploring themes of justice, forgiveness, and compassion. It’s also what’s known as a “sung-through” musical, which basically means the story is told almost entirely through songs rather than spoken dialogue. And the songs? They’re some of the most famous in musical theatre history.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Here are the audition details

This is the important bit. If there’s a young performer in your life aged between 9 and 18 who loves to act, sing, and dance, Powerhouse wants to meet them. This is their chance to be part of an incredible production. The open auditions are happening on one day only:

• Date: Sunday 23 November 2025
• Location: Horsforth School

Before heading along, anyone interested needs to download an audition pack from the Powerhouse website. What's an audition pack? It’s basically a cheat sheet for the audition. It contains everything a young performer needs to know: what songs to prepare, what to wear, and maybe even a short script to learn. It’s designed to help everyone feel prepared and do their best on the day. The team is looking for raw talent and passion, so this is the moment for young actors to show what they can do.

What makes this production special?

Joining this production isn’t just about being in a play. It’s a chance for young performers to get a taste of the professional world. The successful cast will work with industry experts, including professional directors and choreographers, who will guide them through the whole process. From the first rehearsal to the final curtain call at the Bradford Playhouse, the experience is designed to be a brilliant learning curve.

It's a genuine challenge, but one that promises to be incredibly rewarding. Being part of a large-scale musical like this builds confidence, teamwork, and skills that are valuable both on and off the stage. This new Leeds Bradford branch of Powerhouse, founded by Andrew Ashley and Andy Fretwell of Diva Productions fame, is continuing the legacy started in Wakefield, offering an unmatched opportunity for the young people of Yorkshire to shine.