Les Miserables

It was back in 2023 when having just witnessed an amazing production of “We Will Rock You” {Junior] and congratulating the directors and cast on their performance, that I asked the directors Lauren and Georgia, if they had ever considered taking on the challenge of Les Miserables, with their very talented company. I was therefore more than pleased, when in 2025 I was invited to see this production at The Met, Abertillery and realised from the opening number that the challenge had been taken up and most certainly won.

Charlie Thould as Jean Valjean created a powerful opening scene, clearly showing the depth of his theatrical experience and training, as he took us through the complex emotions of this character. A very professional and mature performance, that predicts a bright future on the musical stage. My congratulations.

A lovely performance by Isabella Howe as Fantine. An emotional “I Dreamed a Dream” had the audience gripped. An excellent characterisation of the ill-fated girl was quickly developed and made very believable with the added performance of “The lovely Ladies" ensemble. An excellent scene.

My congratulations to Harry Aston as Javert, the official that everyone loves to hate. Harry gave this pivotal role everything he had and made this extremely difficult characterisation his own. A very moving rendition of “Stars” left the audience in no doubt that this was an outstanding performance. Very well done.

I must “raise a glass” to the Master of the house; Riley Edwards as Thenardier and the Mistress of the house, Sophie Alsopp as Madame Thenardier. They were raunchy, cheeky, roguish and rude but oh so entertaining. Excellent casting, the characters were perfect. My respects to you both on a job well done.

I must confess that along with the Javert, I feel that the character of Eponine is crucial to the understanding of this iconic tale and Scarlett Humphreys in every way was a joy to watch, as she took on the character of this young girl and her struggle with unrequited love. As she sang “On my Own”, the silence in the audience and the rapturous applause said it all. A beautiful performance.

Jude Evans as Cosette was a real surprise, as this timid and shy character filled the auditorium with a voice that many a professional  Prima Donna would envy. The character may have been quiet and reserved but the vocal power could not be hidden.

The casting with James Snell as Marius gave a strength to the love triangle, not always successful in a youth production. James gave an excellent performance and made Marius very real, with excellent stage presence and strong vocals, both in duet and solo numbers. The rapport between Marius, Corsett and Eponine was almost tangible.

Lloyd Screen as the revolutionary student Enjolras exploded onto the stage and portrayed the dashing young fighter to perfection. I could not imagine him playing any other role. [A budding Che Guevara] With superb stage presence he made the barricade his own, except for Gavroche played by Eleni Evans, who stole the hearts of the audience and every scene she entered. With controlled speech and confident movement, she showed clearly what little people can do.

My congratulations to Little Cosette [Cariad O’Connor]and Little Eponine [Rosie Owen].

Along with the whole cast you have brought to the stage an extremely difficult and very well-known musical masterpiece and thrilled your audience with a performance that they will be talking about for a very long time.

My greatest respect to your rirector Lauren Barrett and co-director Georgia Miller. You go from strength to strength. My thanks for a wonderful performance from the orchestra and conductor Rhian Evans and the hard work from the backstage crew.

I raise a glass to you all.     BRAVO !!!!!

 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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