Flash mob brings Les Mis magic to Oxford Westgate Centre

Members of the Oxford Youth Musical Theatre (OYMT) transformed Oxford’s train station and Westgate Shopping Centre into the streets of 19th-century France with theatrical performances from Les Misérables School Edition.

The spontaneous displays were a lead-up to the group’s sold-out show at the Amey Theatre in Abingdon, which ran from April 16 to 18.

One performer said: “The two flash mobs were a way for us to share our work with the local community in a vibrant, spontaneous way, outside the rehearsal room and the theatre itself.”

Led by Debbie Rose for the past 17 years, OYMT is known for developing young talent and delivering high-quality musical theatre.

The group is part of Oxfordshire County Music Service and is open to performers aged 12 to 18.

Many alumni have gone on to perform in the West End and with national opera companies.

Each year, OYMT holds auditions in July and mounts one major production, alternating between venues such as the Oxford Playhouse.

The group also welcomes students interested in stage management.

Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings from 6.45pm to 9.15pm at the Centre for Music on Bayswater Road in Oxford, with an additional Saturday session each month.

For more details or to join the waiting list for the 2025-26 season, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/youthmusictheatre.