Les Miserable - School Edition

This world famous musical has won numerous awards and accolades and the school edition holds all the epic drama of the original. This performance did it justice in spades, and stayed in my head long after the final curtain, interrupting my dreams with replayed scenes and songs. C'était magnifique

From the opening chords onwards,the audience were transported into this classic story of tragedy and redemption. The musical score was delivered by a strong orchestra and the whole show sung through by the hugely talented cast. In every respect; set, ensemble, acting, stagecraft, costumes, sound and lighting;  this production was of outstanding quality, thanks to director Bill Kirwan, musical director Neil Barton,  the amazing production team and a gifted cast.

The innovative set design and set changes were seamless and extremely innovative and I was particular impressed with the clever use of sound effects and lighting for the barricades and also Javert’s suicide.

The standard of singing was way beyond my expectations and I had goosebumps and hair standing on end moments throughout. High praise must be given to the soloists, duets, and the ensemble for their superb voices, harmonies, and rousing choruses. The entire cast worked with cohesion, enthusiasm and energy and to create a masterpiece Jean Valjean played with exquisite timing and sensitivity by Gus Heydon-Corrie, had the stature, maturity, voice and personality to play this demanding role. Opponent Javert, dogged in his determination to track Valjean down was portrayed masterfully by Noah Jenkins. The antagonism crackled wonderfully between them at each encounter.

Bronwen Tingley gave a heart rending performance as tragic young mother Fantine, and there were audible sighs and sniffs at her moving rendition of ‘I Dreamed a Dream'.  Eponine (Bea Watkins) won hearts with her doomed devotion to Marius. Tilly Cook, as little Cosette, sung a sweet ‘Castle on a Cloud,’ while Lexi Clark with her crushingly beautiful voice was perfect as mature Cosette playing opposite Adam Scott perfectly cast as Marius.  Moments of mirth, comic relief and bawdiness were sprinkled liberally into the mix by the Thenardiers, admirably played by cousins Charles and Abigail Taylor. Their body language, expressions and comic timing were impeccable and the raucous inn scene a joy.  Ellie Coxshaw was utterly believable as the brave, cheeky Gavroche. While it is not feasible to mention everyone, I have to say again that every role was performed excellently and the sense of camaraderie and unity of purpose throughout, created this glorious production. I am certain that many of these actors will be joining the professional ranks in the future.

As the curtain came down, I wanted to immediately watch it again. Many people were giving a deserved standing ovation. To sum up.  Simply glorious! 

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