Les Misérables School Edition

There are numerous challenges set by embarking on a production of “Les Misérables”, whether it be the ‘School Edition’ or not. It has to be staged with a cast of students of 19 or under, it is slightly shorter than the original longest running West End musicals – achieved by removing some of the verses of songs rather than leaving anything out from the original based on the epic and now legendary novel by Victor Hugo and it needs a company willing to face the monumental mission ahead of them and that company is Stourbridge Amateur Operatic Society’s Youth Theatre and guiding and supremely talented hands of Rachel Davies and George Stuart.

“Les Misérables” is held high in the musical theatre firmament and any production staged carries the hopes and joys of any audience alike, whether they are a seasoned Les Mis fan or an inexperienced musical theatre novice.  They would certainly not be disappointed with this spectacular performance at Stourbridge Town Hall.  

It would not be unfair to say that the show is driven at an unrelenting pace by the amazing score and needs amazing talent to achieve this.  George Stuart and the Orchestra seemed to achieve this with what appeared to be consummate ease and yet anyone with any appreciation for musical theatre knew that this didn’t happen without an amazing amount of hard work and sheer talent. This then has to be complemented by a remarkable cast and it was a privilege to see this unfold right from the outset. All of the cast demonstrated a talented enthusiasm that shone through but top of the list must be the Jacob Foot’s portrayal of Jean Valjean, the effort that went in to maintaining an utterly credible and highly enviable interpretation of an iconic character was a pleasure to witness. He was ably supported by others, most notably Neve Pillner’s Fantine and a hauntingly beautiful version of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, Reuben Southall made the extremely difficult part of Javert, completely credible with an amazing rendition of ‘Stars’ and a very convincing death scene. Other highlights included a spellbinding version of ‘On My Own’ by the extremely talented Sophia Priestnall.  Top marks too for Alex Leggett’s Enjolras, an extremely difficult part made to look so natural whose ‘Do You Hear the People Sing’ was a triumph. A part that is often taken for granted was given greater prominence with Zac Psaras’ Marius, who features in several numbers, the highlight for me being a moving version of ‘Empty Chairs and Empty Tables’, you could have heard a pin drop as the appreciative audience hung on every lyric. The storyline has its fair share of sadness but Rachel Davies also made sure that the comedy was played for all it was worth.  The Thenadiers, played with a confidence that exuded from the stage by Daniel Cwiertak and Lily Wooldridge with a maturity well beyond their years. We should also not forget that there was a great deal of heart string pulling from most characters at some point during the evening but the prizes have to go to Cosette and Gavroche – played by Isabelle Pankhurst and Ben Horton-Wrigley, as well as Ava Harris’ Little Cosette.

This show must have some of the greatest ensemble pieces ever written for the stage and they were all a joy and pleasure to watch as everyone gave their all but the one and only song that is synonymous with all things musical theatre is always eagerly anticipated, and we were not disappointed. ‘One Day More’ closes the first act and the whole company went up by several gears to give us an amazingly memorable moment which will stick with performers and audience for many years to come.

Everyone involved gave 110% and looked as if they were having the best time doing it, my congratulations go to you all.

A difficult and complicated set was sensitively and efficiently manoeuvred under the direction of Margaret Taylor’s Stage Management alongside her amazing team, the barricade was incredible as well as some very true to life Props! Extremely complementary lighting and sound was provided by The Lighting Factory and Black Country Audio. A mention should also go to the amazing Costumes from Haybridge High School, Hagley Theatre Group and Triple C Costumes, coordinated by an amazing Wardrobe Team alongside some amazing make-up and wigs from Paul Herrington.  All in all, the amount of effort that I know went into this performance gave us a truly remarkable and memorable evening at the theatre.  Congratulations to all involved.

My thanks to everyone at SAOS Youth Theatre for making me so welcome and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

 

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