Les Miserables

This was the first time I had visited The Point and not only did I love the ambience and layout of the theatre and inviting foyer, I was given a very warm welcome and thoroughly enjoyed my whole evening.

I was presented with a very full and informative programme – which included every cast member together with their headshot and ‘mini’ biography.   

Entering straight into the auditorium with the stage already set and lit enabled the audience to get into the atmosphere of the evening right from that moment. The set was excellent and obviously a lot of hard work had gone into this.  Les Miserables is usually performed with a stage revolve however this production established a most fluid feel without that luxury.

The lighting was very good and set the right ambience for each scene, although I felt at times some areas could have been given more light.  The staging and the lighting of Javert’s suicide was most effective.  Congratulations must go to the sound designer and operator.   So often , sadly, a show can be let down by the sound – however on this occasion this was not the case. There were no mic  ‘hiccups’ at all and everyone could be heard clearly at all times.  With the balance of the singers and the orchestra just right – this made the show so much more enjoyable.

It was lovely to go to a youth production and see a show with a full orchestra – so often youth societies perform to backing tracks – which is understandable and perfectly acceptable – but for this show a full orchestra seems essential and was a joy to listen to and complemented the very talented singers perfectly.  

 It was evident that a lot of work had gone into the costumes and make-up  – making a 16 year old look like an old man is no mean feat but this was achieved and was most convincing.   The make-up for the Thenadiers was particularly effective.   In some cases footwear could have been more tired and worn - in keeping with the most effective costumes.

Les Miserables is one of my favourite shows and I have seen it many times so this young cast had a lot to live up to – and I was most certainly not disappointed. There was great rapport between the principals with lovely blending of voices. All the Principals were extremely strong – not one weak link – and it really was hard to believe their ages. There was some beautiful ‘acting through song’ in all the big numbers and some lovely characterisation by the ensemble players.  The right balance was achieved between the comedic scenes and the more dramatic numbers.  It was obvious that the performers were really enjoying their performance experience – and what a confidence booster for them it must have been.

A well rehearsed and  polished show creating an excellent evening’s entertainment.

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