Les Miserables School Edition

                  

I was welcomed on arrival by students and had a discussion with Musical Director/Co-Director/Producer Brian Martineau after the performance.

I was very impressed by the refurbished Assembly Hall completed just in time for this production which included a large new stage with enhanced acoustics and lighting.

This slick production was a masterful interpretation of a classic and much loved story. There were circa 60 young cast, including both junior and senior ensembles and all were aged eighteen and below. In addition many of the creative team and crew were students. The set was very adaptable and showed a street scene with the walls of several old buildings. Extra props especially tables and chairs were taken on and off by both cast and an energetic stage crew. Cleverly positioned side screens provided extra entrances and exits to and from the stage. I thought the design of the gates to Valjean’s house was particularly innovative and there was a well disguised cart to the side of the stage. The barricades were wheeled on seamlessly and fluently and were impressive and above all were safe for the cast! There were many authentic sound effects, predominately the firing of guns.

Costumes had been hired from another amdram society and obviously were well matched to the characters with some very striking ones. There was clever use of enhanced and atmospheric lighting to further improve the set and sound levels were extremely good.

The large orchestra of eighteen musicians was well balanced and versatile and the music was a pleasure to listen to. I especially enjoyed the reeds and strings. The musicians clearly provided excellent support to the cast.

Casting of these talented and energetic young actors was inspired and there were some fantastic pairings. Without exception all the cast performed to a very high standard and projection was good. Everyone could be heard clearly. Much of the music was challenging and there were first class vocals and acting.

Freddie Thornton, as Valjean had a wonderfullly rich voice, capable of delivering a range of these wonderful songs and I especially enjoyed listening to Bring Him Home. Well done. Ginny Fairbain, as Javert had excellent stage presence and a most commanding manner. Alice Goodwin-Day was the hapless Fantine fighting to the end of her short life. Jackie Rodrigo was Eponine demonstrating really powerful and emotive vocals in On My Own. Superb! Bella Fitch was Cosette, sweet and delicate with a lovely voice especially in In My Life. James Bradford played a romantic Marius, a student who fell in love with Cosette and sang a tender duet with her, Every Day. He also sang an impassioned Empty Chairs at Empty Tables to great effect.

I thought that Daisy Adams was a great Enjolras, the rebel leader,playing the part with massive energy. Of course there was Thenardier and Madame Thenardier brilliantly played by Ben George and Lillie Usher. Raucous, greedy and vulgar they complemented each other and competed in their bawdiness and humour.

Gavroche was a cheeky young Theo Mansfield singing Little People.

The large ensembles played many roles including the students, with some wonderful songs, my favourites being Do You Hear the People Sing and One Day More.

I congratulate the creative team in bringing this challenging work to stage with most praise to Directors Jenny Stone and Isobelle Scott and Musical Director/ Co-Director and Producer Brian Martineau for all their innovation and imagination and their ability to bring out the very best in this group of students.

The near capacity audience was very appreciative and I enjoyed it very much.

 

 

 

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