Les Miserables

The Kidz R Us stage is large and has the advantage of two levels, with connecting stairs. The back wall of the lower level and side flats were painted with a map if Paris. Dates and scene changes were projected onto the upper back wall. From time to time a star cloth was used to good effect, behind the upper level (for example, in the song 'Stars'). The stairs were used well to represent characters travelling from one place to another, and were brought forward and rotated to form the authentic looking barricade.

The lighting was consistently good. This show needs to be quite bleak and understated, but we were able to see the action at all times. Spots were used to good effect in the solo numbers. The flashes used in the barricade battle scenes were very appropriate, and the strobe was very effective at the end of the battle, and in the runaway cart scene.

The costumes in this show were outstanding, well-fitting for the most part, and an extremely important part of the presentation bearing in mind the very large space the cast was filling. The 'lovely ladies' were extremely seedy looking, and the military uniforms were very smart

We saw an impressive attack in the opening number, and this level of energy continued throughout the show. The ensemble scenes were full of interest with different characters and stories emerging.

Despite the absence of dialogue, this show is a very 'naturalistic' piece, and I felt at times that the actors' focus was on the audience rather too much. This was particularly noticeable in 'Red and Black', which was performed largely out front, when I felt that the actors should have been addressing each other.

How refreshing it was that the staging of 'One Day More' was different from the usual V-shaped formation, and this was a brave directorial decision.

The barricade scene was efficiently performed, with the well-timed rotation of the steps adding to the interest. The lighting effects and strobe were most effective in the final 'death' scene.

Getting the 'dead bodies' off stage is always a bit of a Director's nightmare, but I loved the way it was handled here, with the actors slowly re-forming at the front of the stage, making eye contact with the audience, before slowly filing off into a white light projected from the wings. Actors need to be aware that they need to keep acting well into the wings, as they can still be seen when they may think they are safely off!

Javert's suicide was really well-staged; a combination of excellent lighting and acting made this moment seem really authentic.

The overall pace and energy was excellent, although there were a couple of occasions (for example, after Eponine's death) when actors appeared to be standing waiting for the next piece of music to start. Diction was very clear throughout.

The ensemble worked hard in many different parts. They always brought energy on to the stage, and remained focused and disciplined throughout. I spent quite a lot of time watching individual faces, and I didn't see anyone drop character.  Good team work.

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