Les Miserables - School Edition

Having seen my second Youth show in Fife in a week, with a third to come tomorrow evening, I feel Fife is safe for years to come for up and coming talent moving on to adult societies.

Tonight, GAMA Youth, gave an energetic, moving performance of Les Miserables, which called upon every ounce of talent which the group could amass, and this they did formidably!

Jean Valjean (Callum Stott) is the main focus of this world renowned musical. We follow him from his time with the chain-gang to becoming a respected mayor and his subsequent escape from capture by the Chief-of-Police. At the top of the show I felt that Callum’s performance was going to be a little restrained, however, these thoughts were soon to be dispelled, culminating in a memorable performance of “Bring Him Home” in Act Two.

His nemesis, Javert (Dylan Ross) gave another first-class performance with his diction and power of voice (both spoken and sung) belying his sixteen years of age. My accolade for performer-of-the-evening must go to Fantine (Nicola Brown). Nicola’s moving singing and acting in her brief appearance early on in the show was stunning and matched many of the pro-Fantines I have seen in the West End. Thankfully, we were party to a little more from Fantine in the penultimate scene. Marius (Brandon Low) and Cosette (Brogan Orkney) worked well together as the love interest in the show, and, teamed up with Eponine (Amber Sinclair Case) allowed us the pleasure of three further lovely voices.

Humour in this fairly dark show was introduced in the form of Mr & Mrs Thernardier (Matthew Bain & Hannah Paterson). These are not easy parts to be covered by youth performers, but Matthew and Hannah appeared to take them in their stride, drawing well deserved applause for “Master of the House”.

To the youngsters - Young Cosette (Megan Adams) and Gavroche (Joel Allsopp). Megan demonstrated an excellent clear voice in her “Castle on a Cloud” while Joel as the mischievous urchin had the look and personality, together with his powerful vocals, to steal all his scenes. I can see adult companies marking down their names for the future!

Not to be forgotten, Enjolras (Connor Wright) was a strong, dominant leader of the Students, while Leia Henderson gave a very believable performance as Young Eponine. The cameo role of the Bishop was undertaken well by Calum MacPherson.

The orchestra in the capable hands of Peter Robinson was  always “just right”, never drowning the young voices (although some of the “young voices” could give adult voices a run for their money!)

Direction was undertaken well by Scott Melvin, and some nice touches of choreography by Neil Hamilton were evident,  particularly in the Wedding Scene.

Well done GAMA Youth.
 

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