Les Miserables

WOW! was the first expression to come into my head after the final curtain at Spenborough Amateur Youth Society's stunning production of Les Miserables at a packed Cleckheaton Town Hall.
I can't thank my NODA colleague enough for going on holiday and asking me to cover for her. You'll never know what you missed Jacqui!
It may have been the special adaptation School Edition, but that didn't spoil my enjoyment in the slightest for what is, for me, the greatest musical of all time.
And boy, did the cast do it justice!
Jacob Backhouse and James Preston were simply outstanding as Jean Valjean and Javert respectively and worked off each other brilliantly.
It is little wonder that Jacob, who delivered a superb  'Bring Him Home,' has won a place at Mountview Academy such is his depth of vocal talent  and the only surprise would be if he fails to find a foothold in the professional ranks.
James was as equally impressive, 'Stars' and his second half 'Soliloquy' bringing a huge ovation from an appreciative audience, and another young man surely destined for even greater things.
Not to be outdone, the girls were also out of the top drawer thanks to the performances of Sophie Hardill as Cosette (what an absolutely stunning voice), Libby James as Fantine ( a gorgeous 'I Dreamed a Dream') and Lucy Peel as Eponine, who also shone in 'On my Own' as well as the beautiful duet 'A Little Fall of Rain' with the excellent Ethan Marescaux as Marius.
Another very good performance came from Kate Parker as Madame Thernadier, while opposite, Louis Ashpool started quietly but then tended to overplay a little in the second half.
There was great support from the smaller parts and an enthusiastic Ensemble and producer James Creegan and MD James Greatorex must also share the accolades for a magnificent production.
The only downside was due to the sound people as they clearly weren't up to the demands required to run such a complex desk!
Still that didn't detract from what was a brilliant evening as reflected by a standing ovation from the audience at the end.
Wow - wonderful or what?

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.