Les Miserables (Schools Edition)

Les Miserables is a huge chalenge for any amateur group in every aspect of theatre but it is an even greater challenge for a youth society. There is a depth and scope to this story - told pretty much in song; and to engage an audience from the outset this show must reach out across the footlights. As a first production I felt that these aims were mainly achieved.

The lead characters of Jean Valjean and Javert were exceedingly well defined with Javert's fanaticism and Valjeans' humanitarianism mirroring well throughout two really well-balanced performances from Oscar Powell (Valjean) and Isaac Gavin (Javert). They were well supported by Samuel Pickles as the scholarly Marius, torn between his love for Cosette and his need to support his fellow students, and with Matthew Broome  and Thendo-Lindam Ndou making the most of their roles as the evil, grasping, Thernardiers. Megan Timlin played the role of Eponine with great confidence along with Ben Mineards (Enjolras) - what a mature voice for one so young - and Riley Aldred brought all the cocky perkiness of Gavroche. The rest of the cast made their contributions with the with the ensemble managing several quick changes efficiently.

The whole show was well-supported by the orchestra under the baton of Rod Iliffe and a good backstage team that managed the scene changes efficiently - no mean feat when a barricade needed manouevering in and out of position. Well done!

I would have liked to have seen slightly more variety in the opening scene as the prisoners were 'encouraged' to apply themselves to their tasks and the choreography/movement just needed to be sharper at times. Although the story has some very dark elements I felt a little more light could have delineated the lighter moments. 

However, as a first production I thought the new society did well and I certainly noted some performers whose portrayals augured well for the future. I hope this show was the first of many successes. I think those present in the auditorium would agree wholeheartedly.

Jenny Chandler NODA East Midlands representative District 8

Jenny retires from her position as District Representative with this show report. How good to see that she signs off with such a very positive view of the future of the amateur dramatic enterprise in our region! AW Web Manager 

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