Les Miserables

~~Deciding to produce a show such as Les Miserables is a mammoth task; even if it is The School’s Edition it is still an enormous show and requires some really good actors as well as a good set to represent Paris in the days of the revolution. Well I can assure you Wickersley YoungStars did a great job of putting this show on the stage, the set  worked perfectly when you consider the number of scenes in this piece, add to that some good backing from the orchestra who were behind the scenes and some really great kids to play the parts and you have a hit on your hands. The story revolves around Jean Valjean who was arrested for stealing and went to prison, this part was in the capable hands of Connor Cox who was able to get every ounce of emotion from it and do justice to the numerous songs he had to sing. Valjean’s rival in this is Javert played by Will Ormesher; who gave a sterling performance to bring out the best in this part, giving just the right amount of venom towards Valjean whenever they meet. The two younger leads Marius and Cossette were played by Joe O'Brien and Jenny Butterfield respectively, both have good voices and were able to sing their respective songs and duets with ease which I am sure brought tears to many of the audience. Other parts worth a mention are Fantine played by Ellie Foster who was able to bring the part to life and fitted perfectly into this role singing the songs beautifully, the scene where she sold her hair was particularly moving. Eponine who is in love with Marius but is shunned in favour of Cossette. There was some good comedic additions from Oliver Curran as Thernadier and Maddie Dyson as his wife, Madame Thernadier. Of course this show does not just rely on one person but is a total company piece and it was good to see so many youngsters on stage clearly enjoying themselves which in turn came over the footlights to the audience, yes some notes which were maybe not quite spot on but I am sure they all enjoyed every minute of the show as did the audience resulting in a well deserved standing ovation. Congratulations to all involved.

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