Les Miserables

Following my initial visit to this production on the 11th July, I was delighted to return to watch the Red Team perform.

As soon as the excellent orchestra started with the opening bars of music I think everyone in the auditorium was once again engrossed in what can only be described as a once in a generation experience.

The ensemble once again blew me away by their work on stage. The vocal balance with the musicians was spot on. If possible their performance was better than the previous week, and I don't think there was a weak link anywhere. Each actor once again portrayed an individual character on stage and did not lose it once. 

Young Cosette and Young Eponine in this performance  were played by Ffion Nabialek and Gwen Williams, both aged nine.  Well done to the two of them , I especially enjoyed Ffion’s rendition of Castle on a Cloud. I hope both of you will remember this experience for a long time. This also goes for Leo Harris who played Gavroche, another cheeky and confident performance by this young actor.

I have already complimented Joseph Robinson, who was the only character playing the role in both teams as Enjolras, Jo once again gave a polished performance in this role.

The Team Red Thenardiers were Christian Grace and Rhian Hiley. I must admit both of these characters impressed me and had the audience in stitches on a number of occasions with their comedy timing, well done both of you. A very strong performance by both actors.

Eponine was played by Natalie Edwards and even though I have watched this young actress in a number of roles, I believe this is the best I have seen her perform. On my own, it was delivered with power and class, I also loved the different emotions shown in A Little Fall of Rain. 

The roles of Marius and Cosette were taken by Lewys Smith and Millie Roberts, they had a lovely stage relationship and performed their musical numbers really well. I loved their duet with their voices definitely complimenting each other. I think both of these young actors have a bright future in front of them. It was surprising finding out how young both of them were given the maturity of their performance.

Fantine in team red was played by Sarah Clatworthy, this talented actress once again shone in this role, it was interesting to see a different take on the character and you could feel Fantine’s fragility come across really well during this performance.

Sam Jennings took on the role of Javert, I think this is the rawest characterisation of this complex role I have seen in this show. You could imagine him coming from being born in jail to a position of power with his emotions totally blown by the kindness of Valjean leading to a madness and his eventual suicide. This scene was really well played by Sam.

Jean Valjean was played by Gareth Morgan, his stature made it totally believable that he could single handedly lift a cart of a trapped man. There was a definite spark between him and Sam and a physicality in their scenes , especially during The Confrontation. However the character's goodness was then evident in the quiet scenes especially Bring him Home and Come to Me.

It was once again a magical night of theatre and all involved can be so proud of themselves. Ashley, Jonathan both cast, crew and support staff what an achievement, I think 8 standing ovations speak for themselves..

Les Miserables Let the People sing was without doubt a huge success and I feel privileged that I was able to witness  both teams, or am I allowed to say Team Purple as the teamwork and camaraderie was evident between everyone involved.

To all the societies involved, huge congratulations and thank you once again for your hospitality.

 

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