Les Misérables - School Edition

Axminster Drama Club Youth 

Les Misérables School Edition 

A Musical by Alain Boubil & Claude-Michel Schōnberg 

Music by Claude-Michel Schōnberg 

Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer 

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo 

Director & Choreographer: by Matilda Leat 

Producer: Sara Leat 

Musical Director: Ellie Walker 

Sound & Lighting: Seventh Wave Audio 

The Guildhall, Axminster 

Thursday 20th March 2025 

‘Tricia Barclay 

NODA SW Representative District 6 

This was a superb production, and the cast of youngsters simply excelled all  expectations. 

We were treated to an amusing “front of house” announcement, before the familiar  opening strains as the chain gang moved downstage hauling on ropes to bring the  ship in. 

Perhaps many of the first night audience could have been forgiven for “looking down”  initially, having probably seen a production of this show before maybe even several  times and being aware of every note, were anxious in case the group couldn’t pull it  off. However, pull it off they certainly did, and each note was faithfully represented.  Staging was simple but cleverly designed with black tabs brought across to enable  US scene changes, with the more intimate action DS, then taken out again for the  larger scenes. 

All the principals played their roles sincerely and were well supported by the whole  ensemble in a range of parts from Townsfolk and Lovely Ladies to Wedding Guests. The main characters were recognisable at once and the singing was outstanding  across the board. 

Valjean aged well across the years with his hair slicked back and flattened as he  grew older, and he conveyed a deep sense of care and compassion. As his  adversary Javert was particularly formidable displaying strong feelings of angst and  torment. 

Fantine showed distress and concern for her child. Her solo I Dreamed a Dream highlighted perfectly her disappointment and was very well performed. 

The contrast between the young Eponine, with a prettier dress, and Cosette was well  shown, although the Thénardiers must have had one “nice” moment as Cosette’s  shoes were very shiny! Her solo Castle on a Cloud was sweetly sung. The Innkeeper Scene was a revelation, with all the ensemble on board, some in well  portrayed cameo parts. The Thénardiers were both excellently played, and Master of  the House was simply perfect. 

Marius and all the students were believable in their roles and Enjolras was just right  as their leader. 

Marius fell in love the moment he set eyes on the grown-up Cosette, who sang  beautifully, particularly A Heart Full of Love around a prettily designed arch of flowers  simply placed DSL.

The whole cast brought Act I to a rousing end joining together for One Day More,  and little Gavroche certainly made his mark showing amazing stage presence. 

Act II opened with a blast on the Barricade and there was some impressive staging  through all the scenes, representative of a much larger production and venue. Eponine, in typical costume and cap, conveyed perfectly her love for Marius and her  disappointment when realising his affections lay elsewhere. Her rendition of On My  Own was strong and A Little Drop of Rain when she died on the Barricade was  particularly moving. 

Other highlights in Act II included Valjean’s Bring Him Home, against a tableau of  barricades, Javert’s solo Stars on the bridge, Empty Chairs and Empty Tables and  the final onslaught on the Barricade with Enjolras left hanging upside down and poor  little Gavroche sadly meeting his demise. 

The Wedding scene was a sight to behold, excellently choreographed, with everyone in superb costumes, and the Thénardiers beautifully made up. 

The straightforward design of the set worked well, and the scene changes were  smoothly executed, lighting and sound were spot on, and all the costumes were  perfect for each scene. 

The young Director, the Musical Director and all the cast, creative  team and crew deserve tremendous credit for a spectacular show. It really came  over as a happy and supportive ensemble production. 

It was truly amazing throughout and certainly deserving of the rapturous applause  and standing ovation at the end. 

Very well done! 

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the  overall production and in particular the performance viewed. It should be  remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the  techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms expressed  may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to  encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

 

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