Les Misérables School Edition

What a privilege it was to witness this powerful, passionate production of Les Misérables (School Edition). I have seen many of these young performers before and the maturity they brought to this particular production was a credit to everyone involved. Often with a sung through production we forget the acting skills involved in carrying the dramatic nature of the story but LEOS Youth Group brought such a high standard of quality singing which incorporated great acting skills both individually and as a whole company.

Findlay Parker as Jean Valjean gave an outstanding performance throughout, he has great stage presence and his version of ‘Bring Him Home’, used the full range of his voice. Inspector Javert (Stevie Kirkham) very much controlled the stage with suitable stature, anxiety and menace. For such a young performer, the control of his lower register was very well done with some lovely rich tones. The scenes between these two young men were very powerful.

Equally, Ella Charlesworth (Fantine), Bella Syson (Eponine) & Kate Whitaker (Cosette) gave outstanding performances with their singing and acting.  The power and emotion they produced was superb with each one of them having such quality in their singing voice.

‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’ was beautifully sung by Miles Potter (Marius). His connection with Kate was particularly good with their voices blending so well together. I was also very impressed with his acting skills. Monsieur & Madame Thénardier (Preston Nash & Roisin Parker) gave us some great comedy moments with their bright singing, dancing, costumes and outrageous wigs. Preston had some fabulous facial expressions and hilarious commentary, and I particularly enjoyed Roisin’s performance showing her comedic side.

Young Cosette (Alice Whitaker) was captivating with her version of ‘Castle on a Cloud’ and another youngster Harrison Ramplin, playing Gavroche, commanded our attention with his fantastic cheeky accent, and stage presence beyond his years. Congratulations also to Young Eponine, Lucy Gordon.

Every member of this company played their part in a wonderful ensemble that were fully focussed with a great overall sound, including Abe Collishaw (Enjolras), Nathan Crookdake (Combeferre), Tristan Bromley (Feuilly), Quillen Parker (Courfeyrac), Taylen Brodsky (Joly), Ivan Hager (Grantaire), Finlay Tomlinson (Lesgles), Tom Lightbown (Prouvaire), Owain Jones (Montparnasse), Gabe Scott (Brujon) and Finn Cliff (Claquesous). They worked so well both as individuals and together, giving us a great barricade scene. They were equally matched by the ensemble of Factory Workers included Phoebe Mellor (Babet), Neve Johnson, Grace Agius, Fran Squires, Niamh Lee, Maddi Woodland, Holly Brooks, Niamh Syson, Lucy Coulson-Jones, Emily Dexter, Jess Chatten and Nefeli Fryganioti.

This stunning production directed by Siobhan Parker assisted by Eleanor Carty was a visual treat. The singing was wonderfully brought together by Giles Pettit, assisted by Becky Kirkham, who was also in charge of the props. The fantastic lighting design by Stephen Greatorex complimented and added so much to the atmosphere, with clear sound by Dave Dallard & Jack Clarke which meant we didn’t miss a word. Costumes were excellent with a very effective set by Roydon Charlesworth & Katie Bird (Stage Manager) providing lots of levels and great scene pieces.

With sell-out shows and a standing ovation at every performance I’m sure this will be a memory that the whole company will take with them for a long time to come. My thanks and congratulations for a wonderful production.

Amanda Hall
NODA East Midlands Youth Co-ordinator

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