Les Miserables. School Edition

Les Misérables School Edition

EPMTC & Footloose Musicals

25/5/24

The original French musical Les Misérables premiered in Paris in 1980 with direction with its English-language adaptation, produced by Cameron Mackintosh, running in London since October 1985, making it the longest-running musical in the West End. 

Based on the iconic work of French author Victor Hugo, considered one of the greatest books of the 19th Century, was transformed into a musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg.The production is a rollercoaster of emotions. Beginning in 1815 culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris. The story revolves around an ex-convict Jean Valjean, whose only crime was to steal bread for his starving family. Breaking his parole but only to do good in the world, his nemesis ex-jailer Javert, relentlessly pursues Valjean believing him not able to change his ways.

Jack Darker gives an exceptional performance as Jean Valjean. His show-stopper ‘Bring Him Home’ would stand alongside any professional production it was amazing. This young man displayed such maturity, impeccable vocals a performance well beyond his years, a privilege to experience.

Javert played by William Reilly, is absolutely splendid, a perfect antagonist to Jean Valjean, displaying his firm held beliefs and distrust apparent throughout, culminating in his tragic suicide. Well done, William. I loved Williams beautifully delivered ‘Stars’ and the tragic ‘Javerts Suicide’

Aiden King as Marius and Phoebe Cheffings as Cosette bring real emotion to their roles, perfectly displaying the tenderness of first love. For me Aidens ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’ was one of the highlights of the show what an amazing young talent. Fellow revolutionary Enjolras played by James Bryant gave an energetic yet sensitive performance as this brave young man.  Sienna Sutcliffe as the doomed Eponine is feisty yet vulnerable, such powerful vocals, ‘On my Own’ was superb. Another show stopping moment for me was Scarlett Pinder as factory worker/prostitute Fantine with her spine-tingling version of ‘I dreamed a dream’.

After the untimely death of Fantine Valjean finds her daughter Cosette, she is being kept as a skivvy by the Thenadier’s, an unscrupulous couple who run the local inn. Playing the amoral duo that you can’t help but like, Daisy Candlin (Mdme Thenadier) Sam Darker (Thenadier) with their ‘cheeky’ one liners and comedic timing they excelled in their big ‘Master of the House’ number.

Directed by the extremely talented Liz Legerton I was intrigued to see what she did with this demanding Junior production. The young people performing ranged from 8 to 17 years old, I was uncertain how I'd feel about seeing such a young cast tackle one of my favourite musicals this production is kept incredibly simple but effective. The simple staging works really well, drawing attention to the singing and the emotion of the show, allowing space for the activity to come, with some large cast numbers, I particularly enjoyed ‘At the End of the Day’ and ‘One More Day, brilliant choreography by the very creative Rob Stevens. The scenery, sound and lighting Derek Boseley D.A. Lighting were practically perfect, the barricade was really truly striking and the costumes were also impressive. A massive well done to everyone involved.

The performance really comes alive when the full ensemble took to the stage. Harmonies were tight and the supporting cast all shone as individuals whilst never drawing too much attention from the leads. The young actors from Footloose put their absolute all behind this show, 100% commitment to this production which truly showed and helped make it the success that it certainly was. Every single cast member, whether Valjean or chorus member deserves full credit for this outstanding production. I wish to mention the young actors who played the principal characters as children: Laila Dallen-Young, Millie Quilty, Annabel Spencer (Young Cosette) Rosa Macdonald, Isla Sott (Young Eponine) Daisy Moore (Young Cosette) and of course the wonder that is Gavroche eight-year-old Jack Cole, what a performance from this incredible youngster, he was brilliant, one to watch for the future, I am sure. Well done, Jack. It is impossible to mention everyone in a production of this nature surface to say congratulations to all, the Revoluntionaries, factory girls,Gavroaches Gang and the full ensemble.

What a massive challenge for the team from EPMTC Footloose they smashed it.

Amateur theatre is so important and youth theatre is even more so. It’s the place where young people can learn, grow in confidence, explore their potential, meet other like-minded individuals and create memories they can treasure for life.

It was a privilege to be in the audience for this powerful production, what an experience. Every song was applauded, the audience adored you all, as shown by a full standing ovation. Congratulations, one I will not forget.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

 

 

 

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