Les Misérables school edition

This was the first-time NODA have seen a production from this relatively new company and from the high standard seen I most certainly hope it’s not the last.

The company consisted of many talented young people. Some of the principals had shared their role therefore we did not see some of those performing the role they had undertaken earlier in the run. However, these members of the company were part of the ensemble during the performance we saw making a cast of 45 individuals who filled the stage.

With so many in the cast it is not possible to name everyone who took part in the performance. Nevertheless, it was noticeable that the whole company put in 100% effort. The whole ensemble were seen to engage in both singing and acting whenever they were on stage.  The choreography of full chorus numbers was effective such as during ‘Lovely Ladies’ and ‘Master of the House’ in act one and the wedding scene towards the end of act two.

There were however some actors whose performances need special mention. Jack Giblen was superb as Jean Valijean. His voice sounded very mature for his age and could match many professionals who have previously taken on the role. His rendition of ‘Who Am I’ and ‘Bring Him Home’ were outstanding. Added to a good voice was convincing acting and characterisation.

His counterpart was Josh Harper as Javert the ruthless inspector of police. A commanding performance acted with conviction and a good voice to match. His musical number ‘Stars’ was well done indeed.

The comic parts in this otherwise dramatic piece were in the hands of Phoebe Fletcher and John Broad as Madame Thenardier and Thenardier. Their rendition of ‘Master of the House’ showed they were masters of the audience with many clapping along. Their costumes in the wedding scene were effective and their timing throughout was good to bring out the humour of these characters.

Ellie Bates as Fantine gave a touching rendition of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ followed by the scene leading up to ‘Lovely Ladies’ which was acted with emotion leading up to the death scene.     

Other notable parts included a believable Luke McLinden as Marius and Eban Lewis as Enjolras.  McLinden sang ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’ with feeling while Lewis lead ‘Do You Hear the People Sing’ with the command the song requires. Both very believable.

Eleanor Hudson took the role as the Thenardiers’ daughter Eponine who was street-wise. Again, a good singing voice during ‘On My Own’. The trio of McLinden, Lewis and Emily Gilday as Cosette singing a `A Heart Full of Love` was very moving. Equally well done was ‘A Little Fall of Rain’ with the characters involved in that number and the finale with Giblen, McLinden and Emily Gilday leading to the final rendition of ‘Do You Hear the People Sing’.

The younger parts in the show were in the hands of Darcie Ella Eglesfield as Young Cosette and Sam Hackett as Gavroche. Darcie sang ‘Castle On a Cloud’ beautifully while Sam was every bit the cheeky chap. He acted the part well and sang ‘Little People’ with character and feeling.

The sound quality was good throughout ensuring the audience heard every word and effects such as during the attacks and final battle. The lighting was well designed although at times some actors were not always in their light. However, there was suitable colour use and snap changes when needed such as to symbolise Javert jumping from the bridge. The set was simple and did not revolve however this did not deflect from the performance and was used well.

The band under the direction of Chris Corcoran were pleasing to hear and played at a well-managed level. The music in this show is rousing and none stop and the band under Corcoran ensured the audience enjoyed the richness of the score to the full.   

The cast, band, back stage crew and production team all played their part in staging this excellent production – well done to you all.

 I look forward to future productions by this company and I thank you for inviting me.

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