Les Misérables School Edition

I was excited to return to see “HC Vocal and Performance Academy” present, “Les Misérables”. Based on the 1862 novel by Victor Hugo, this musical has it all. The opportunity to take part in “Les Misérables” is a defining moment for any young performer to take part in, given its technical vocal challenges and truly immersive plot. This also allows a unique opportunity for these young people to immerse themselves in the history of the French revolution and social injustices. 

Jean Valjean was played by Jay Dutton. Having seen Jay in other productions, I was eager to see him portray such a complex character narrative. The character of Jean Valjean is a challenge for the most versed actor, and Jay at the age of 16 gave a dynamic, and heartfelt portrayal. I was particularly impressed in ‘Valjean’s Soliloquy’. Given the wordy, fast paced nature of the song, the audience were able to recognise and hear every word. Not only was his diction and articulation perfect, but the song was phrased phenomenally well. This allowed the audience to know the characters intention. Secondly to this, Jay’s ‘Bring Him Home’ was beautifully presented. He has an uncanny ability to tell a story which is balanced beautifully with his technical ability in his voice. Jay, you should be incredibly proud of what you have managed to achieve in this performance – Well done.

The vocal performance of the night must go to Daisy Bousfield who played Fantine. Daisy’s ability to tell a story through voice is outstanding. She gave a believable, truly heart-wrenching portrayal of her character. In ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, we felt the characters heartache and appreciated her ability to vocalise this expertly. It was so refreshing to see a still, and steadfast rendition of this song, which is a credit to the direction she received. Fantine’s death was agonising to watch, and there was not a dry eye in the house. This young actress has a bright future and was a delight to see on stage – Well done.

Eponine was played by Leanna Honeyman. Leanna played Eponine authentically and her vocal capabilities were staggeringly impressive. I was truly impressed to see that when she sang, “To love another person is to see the face of God”, she turned and looked at Marius. It’s moments like this that truly represents, both to me and the audience, that this young actress understood the intention of the character she was playing. “On My Own” demonstrated her ability to control and use her voice, whilst adding to the characterisation and plot of this character. This vocal control was also seen in “A little fall of rain”, as this gave a different softer side to her abilities. Again, a truly notable performance – well done!

Cosette was played by Faith Small, the style of singing for this character is unique to any other female characters, in that a light classical tone Is required. Faith managed to access this and use this to her advantage. Cosette completes the love triangle between Marius and Eponine, representing a naïve romanticism unseen in any other female protagonists in the show. Faith managed to demonstrate this through her acting ability and delivered a substantive performance.

Marius was played by Scarlett Hunter. Throughout this production many parts were played by atypical gender roles, and I feel that Scarlett managed this exceptionally. Aided by her astonishing ability to deliver her alto ranges, whenever Scarlett came on stage the audience were assured of a competent acting performance. Scarlett brought pace, and continuity to the story which brings momentum for audiences.  In “Empty chairs and empty tables”, she gave an emotional, yet firm performance. Overall, a great job!

Will Coulter played Javert.  Javert is an antagonistic character that is steadfast and just, which requires a confident representation. Throughout the show Will sought to deliver this and was most prominent in “Stars”, which enabled him to display how the character feels safe within law and justice. The juxtaposition which was demonstrated between “Stars” and “Javerts Suicide” was notable in his performance. He was able to show the characters vulnerability in his inability to accept Valjean’s rehabilitations into innocence and vocalised this well.

The Thenardiers were played by Avea Calvert and Amelia Hooper. These young actresses managed these dark, but comedic characters well.  Their comic relief helped the audience navigate the melancholy narrative.

I also enjoyed, Lacey Simpson’s performance as Enjolras the leader of the revolution, and both Alicia Thompson as young Cossette and Jacob Robinson as Gavroche.

The ensemble was strong and carried the voice of the revolution. “ABC Café”, and “One Day More”, as rousing and their harmonies tight. It’s amazing the impact, and sound that this young group delivered – well done.

Throughout, this musical was supported by Robert Wilson Baker and his seven-piece orchestra.  Their slick performance was made more impressive given the little amount of time he had to prepare his orchestra. To lead 20 children so well is a testament to your abilities, well done.

Holly, you’ve given these young performers an opportunity of a lifetime, that I’m sure they’ll never forget. Your devotion to their success is seen throughout their obvious clear direction and understanding of their characters narrative. I look forward to my next visit.

Gordon Richardson (seeing the ‘Red Team’)
I couldn’t add any further comments to that of my colleague, Richard, other than to say I am somewhat of a Les Miz ‘geek’ and this performance was my 150th time of seeing the show both in the professional version and the Schools Edition. Despite the number of times I’ve seen it I always get emotional at various parts in the action – no more so than the ‘to love another person is to see the face of God’ words in the finale and the ‘deceased’ Fantine and Eponine (Lucy Wilkinson and Holly Wake respectively) brought such emotions to the scene as they had throughout.

Javert was played by Amber Evans in the performance I saw and was a perfect antagonist to Jean Valjean with her firm held beliefs being apparent throughout – leading to her no longer being able to live with the conflict of emotions in the beautifully sang and acted ‘Javerts Suicide’ after her equally impressive ‘Stars’ in the first act.

Playing the amoral duo that you can’t help but love Jacob Robinson and Evangeline Wright made up the duo of Thenardier and Mdme. Thenardier with their ‘cheeky’ one liners and comedic timing – they excelled in their big ‘Master of the House’ number.

Completing the double cast principals was Freya Warren performing in the role of Enjorlas; Lexi Thompson in the role of Little Cosette; Seth Cohen as ‘Gavroche’; and Esme Giles as ‘Young Eponine’. Each brought their own individuality to their respective roles and contributed to what was a superb performance.

I echo what Richard has said in that the opportunity does not come around to be able to perfom in such a mammoth production such as this and the back up workers as well as the cast are to be highly congratulated for allowing it to happen.

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