Les Miserables (schools edition)

‘ATTACK’ has to be the watchword of FADLOS Kidz as their energy and drive just overwhelmed us: the singing to a very high standard and how huge the sound from the stage as every participant gave their all to the production. And how good the diction from all the principals: we could hear every word which is most important. A lot of talent in this group!
 I could not believe that 16 year-old Thomas Semmons was playing his first major role as Valjean: his poise and standing, that voice as he sang without nerves and so strong, a true realisation of the importance of the role delivered with great sympathy for all the cast. And his protagonist, Javert, played by Zachary Green (17 years) in the very best realisation and presentation that I have seen from Zac as he has grown in strength and talent over the years: this was a clipped and straight and menacing and overpowering characterisation and possibly the best Javert that I have seen to date.
 Nice singing from George Shipley as the Priest, also doubling as Student. A strong and emotional Fantine played by Ellie Rix with excellent vocals, well balanced by the girls in the factory scene. The inn sequence a very strong scene with the sadness of Young Cosette (Olivia Cunningham) contrasting with the loud coarseness and humour from the Thenadiers (Phoebe Caesari and Jack Rabone): these two particularly powerful and so good on the timing, and well backed by the chorus. The Eponine from Emily Byram again very emotional and powerful, and how well she worked with Marius, very effective barricades scene. And the students as they drank and fought, very strong singing led by Chris Heild as Enjolras in their battles; and of course the irrepressible Gavroche of Louis Miller as he darted around the barricades. The love story interest developed and maintained well in the relationships to each other and to Valjean, Marius (Harry Ashworth) and Cosette (Katy Ferris) had excellent voices that blended well and good solos for singing, and emotionally brought out their characters.
 The excellent casting continued throughout all the roles with Ben Francis extracting ‘the best’ from these youngsters, and Jo Kemp excellent in vocal and orchestral skills. Good harmonies and powerful singing in all numbers, and good use of stage for all groupings.
And that set was most imaginative and clever in the simplicity and yet complexity to cover all events including the barricades on an unhelpful stage. And enhanced by the lighting: how good to see a younger lighting person in charge, well done Tom Ferris.
 Certainly the cast deserved the full houses and standing ovation at each and every performance, well done to all concerned in the production.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.