Les Miserables

Tonight, I had the pleasure of watching an amazing piece of theatre.  Centre Stage Youth Theatre Company have produced an amazing show; it’s no wonder that it’s sold out for its entire run.  Directed by Jill Mason and Vikki Lee, Les Miserables (School Edition) tells the same story (as the adult version) of the life of Jean Valjean, from early manhood to his death at the end of the show; amid the backdrop of the French Revolution.  I only hope that I can find enough superlatives to describe what a brilliant piece of theatre that I have witnessed this evening.

Direction for this production was great.  All actors were clear in their direction and intentions.  Even the bows at the end were well directed and choreographed.  Stage Crew were confident in scene changes; having to manoeuvre a large set whilst flying in cycloramas etc.  The whole direction of the show was clear, well organised and had pace.  I would’ve preferred if the stage crew were dressed in battle clothes to move the barricades during the battle scenes with the lights up, but this, by no means, detracted from the story.

Louise Bours was in charge of Musical Direction; a difficult job as the music was tracked for the entire production.  Some of the timings are tricky as the score plays around with rhythms.  Louise did a good job to conduct the cast from the front of the stage to keep them on track.  Louise was supported by the Show Pianist (Barry Dilworth) who added extra layers onto the tracks and to help cover scene changes, and Deborah Stokes (Vocal Coach), who deserves a special mention because the vocals were superb.  I initially thought that the tracks had added vocals to them but quickly realised that the resounding vocal (French) army was coming from the ‘students’ themselves.  Well done!

The set was purpose built by Centre Stage.  It was brilliant!  I have seen this show many times and I always think that the set is a character in itself and this version was on point.  Whilst it looked big, bulky and slightly hard to manoeuvre, it was purposeful, apt and used brilliantly throughout every scene.  If there are any other societies looking to make their own set or to hire one in, then you need to get in contact with Centre Stage as this one is perfection!

Costumes and Props (wigs) were great and added to the authenticity of the piece.  All costumes added an extra layer to each character and all characters used them accordingly as part of the action.

One of the highlights for me was the lighting.  Nick Walker added suitable atmospheric lighting which added another layer to this amazing production.  I would go as far to say that the lighting was superb!

The sound was commandeered by Tom Maurice.  Whilst there were a few tiny errors with sound cues, it didn’t matter, because the pace and flow were there and I was able to hear every actor clearly.  There was a great mix between the tracks and the actors’ mics.  Well done.

I have to remind myself that when I write this review, it was a youth production – not an adult production. 

The standout performance, for me, was Hugh Cotton who played the role of Jean Valjean.  Hugh, with a great vocal range, had excellent stage presence, excellent diction and articulation and told his story with truth and conviction.  His performance was effortless.  Hugh’s version of ‘Bring Him Home’ was stunning! Well done Hugh!

Ewan Ling played the role of Jean Valjean’s nemesis – Javert!  Ewan has talent.  With a gravelly voice and great physicality, he was a good Javert.  If I could offer a little advice, Ewan should relax into the role and just BE the character, rather than trying to be.  Javert’s suicide was great both visually and vocally.

Marius was played by William Bours.  A good little actor with lots of potential.  I believed that he was in love with Cossette and he had good stage presence.  William did well vocally and worked well to tell his story.

Enjolras and Gavroche were played by Joseph Burns and Matthew Hampson respectfully.  Both boys did well to capture the rally of the troops and convey the seriousness of the situation.  Both had good stage presence and energy and there were audible gasps from the audience when Gavroche met his maker.

Oliver Davenport and Jenny Perry portrayed the roles of Monsieur and Madame Thenardier with pace, energy and conviction.  Both actors were able to find the humour within the words and they were a great partnership.  I particularly liked Jenny’s acting.  She was able to stay in character even when the focus was not on her.

Fantine was suitably played by Millie Beard, who, with lovely vocals, was able to take us on her personal journey, making the audience feel compassion and empathy.

Eponine was played by Naomi Barnett.  Naomi, a great little actress with a lovely vocal range who was able to belt, as well as hit the high notes with ease.  As she is one of the students, I would’ve preferred a bit more of a tomboy feel to the character of Eponine.  It would’ve been very interesting to see Naomi in the role of Cossette – she certainly has the talent!

Cosette and Young Cosette were played by Lily Bennett-Sergeant and Lily Smith.  Both girls did well vocally to convey the story.  Cosette had a great rapport with Marius and Jean Valjean while young Cosette worked well with the Thenardier’s.  I would’ve liked to see a more rounded character of the adult Cosette; particularly how she felt about Marius’ friendship with Eponine. 

There are far too many others in the cast for me to mention them all.  Some of the students lacked clear diction and articulation but all members of the cast were stunning vocally.  I particularly liked the student soloists who sounded brilliant on the barricades.  Keep up the great work and tell this story with truth and conviction.  Look at the songs like they’re monologues and add the music after.

Overall, this production was a huge success.  The action onstage, combined with the technical elements such as the lighting, sound, costumes and set, made this a pleasure to watch.  Anyone who makes excuses that it’s ‘only amateur theatre’; ‘particularly, ‘youth amateur theatre’, needs a wake-up call.  If this is the standard of youth theatre that we have in district 8, then I cannot imagine the fantastic shows that we will come to see in a few years’ time!  Well done Centre Stage!  I can’t wait to come back!

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