Les Miserables

“Look down, look down”…..Well, what I looked down on from the back of the Circle at Middlesbrough Theatre was nothing short of amazing! The students of Middlesbrough Youth Theatre, under the superb direction of Wendy Lowe alongside Choreographer Janice Carmo, Chorus Mistress Sam Readman and Musical Director Paul Walker, should be immensely proud of what they have achieved with this production. Honestly, West End potential on that stage!

‘Les Misérables’ is and will always be a favourite of mine. I always look forward to seeing it done both in the professional world and the amateur world. The enormous task of the show is not one to be taken lightly and this performance by MYT proved that we have the best youth talent here in the North East.

The Set was effective and well designed. From what I gather, the students actually built the barricade themselves….Seriously??? Just WOW!

It is so nice to hear that Cast are taking the initiative with other aspects of the production and not just the performing side. Lighting was great – very atmospheric and effective. Emphasised by good use of haze. Add into the mix the smoke machine for the battle scenes, it was a sight that earned the right to be seen by the hundreds who saw it every night.

Sound was of good quality (special mention to Andy Charlesworth who came out of retirement to step in at last minute to cover) and the orchestra was always sympathetic to solo singing and diction was good. The 14 strong live Orchestra was under the direction of Paul Walker who did a phenomenal job of keeping control of the whole production musically. I really do have to say I thought the Orchestra were amazing and added that special bonus to the show for me.

Costumes were expertly done. Not one looked out of place on the stage which was great to see. Nice to know that every attention to detail was considered.

Choreography was well planned and executed superbly on stage. With ‘Les Mis’ not being a typical dance show, the Choreographer has a much harder job of keeping control of what movements need to happen on stage and at what points. Well done.

With a large cast, and I mean a large cast…..over 70 - the ensemble were perfectly engaged in the plot, which is very important in this show. Each adding their own characterisation which was great to see and you could clearly see they were putting their all into the production. Even though I would love to write about you all individually, I simply don’t have enough space in this report but I would like to mention some notable performances.

Jean Valjean in this production, was played with such power and emotion by Rhys Pemberton.  For any adult, this is a massive part to play and that is what made this even more impressive, a teenager taking on the role showing the same professionalism as an adult would. Your characterisation was spot on and your vocals really complimented the role. I especially liked your duet with Javert and the trio at the end. Michelle Coulson, NODA Youth Coordinator also wanted me to pass on her congratulations to Rhys on a sterling performance.  Well done Rhys!

Javert (played by Oliver McNeal) was well cast. Strong vocals and excellent characterisation. Your confrontation with Jean Valjean was a highlight and your natural poise and presence worked really well for this character. Well done on your portrayal of Javert’s Suicide. Never an easy scene but you managed it effortlessly.

Will Coulter as Marius, Matthew Walker as Enjolras, Lydia Edwards as Eponine, Seren Fellows as Fantine and Isabella Shea as Cosette – All of you truly gave the performance of your lives on that stage in your own unique characterisations. Your voices all suited the parts you were given and again, managing all your dialogue and lyrics effortlessly.

I cannot leave out the two characters who, in a show full of gloom and misery, seem to somehow manage to bring some frivolity to the forefront. Luke Pemberton and Amy Addison as the dastardly pair, Msr and Mdm Thernadier…..just brilliant! You can have so much fun with these two parts and you certainly looked like you were loving it!

As I said earlier in the report, it is impossible to mention everyone but honestly, you should ALL be very proud of yourselves and what you achieved with this show and as you saw from the stage, the audience rightly gave you a standing ovation at the end, to which I add my appreciation.

Well done to you all and I hope to be invited back soon.

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