THE Welsh answer to Les Miserables, a musical depicting Monmouthshire’s turbulent history, is showing this week at the Wales Millenium Centre.

After Rebecca… had its world premiere yesterday in the Weston Studio at the centre in Cardiff Bay.

It tells the story of a passionate love affair set against the violent backdrop of Chartism in Monmouthshire and the Rebecca Riots – when groups of Welshmen, some dressed in petticoats, sparked unrest by burning down buildings, tollhouses and the much-hated “tollgates”.

The musical is based on bestseller The Hosts of Rebecca by novelist Alexander Cordell. The author’s daughter will be flying in especially from Finland to attend the final night of the show’s run.

Producers promise stirring melodies, poignant laments and soaring chorus numbers, which will bring the area’s history to life.

The musical is sung in English and has been adapted and scored by Cardiffbased musician Ian Michael Thomas.

Mr Thomas said: “I first started working on this project 10 years ago when I picked up Cordell’s novel.

“It just seemed to me to have all the elements that make good musical theatre.

That particular combination of passion, danger and intrigue – an illicit romance set against a massive social conflict which affects everyone.

Music and images just started to form in my mind”.

Peter Karrie, famous for his portrayal of “Phantom”, will head the cast as Tomos.

Welsh actress Nia Trussler Jones will play Mam. Ruby Boland, currently studying at the Richard Burton Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, plays the female lead. The male lead role Jethro is played by Sean James.

Several actors from Gwent will be taking to the stage.

Graham Smith, often seen performing in the Dolman Threatre, will be playing Squire Perry. Fellow castmember Ethan Crowley, 20, was born in the Royal Gwent Hospital and is an ex-member of Only Boys Aloud.

Kate Stanbury, playing Biddy Flannigan, went to Bassaleg Comprehensive School and went on to obtain a singing scholarship to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama at 13.

The play is performed at 7.30pm all week until Friday, with matinee performances on Wednesday and Friday at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £17.50, concessions £15.

For more information and further booking details please see wmc.org.uk/westonstudio