Les Misérables - School Edition
Information
- Date
- 20th March 2025
- Society
- Axminster Drama Club
- Venue
- The Guildhall, Axminster
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Matilda Leat
- Musical Director
- Ellie Walker
- Choreographer
- Matilda Leat
- Producer
- Sara Leat
- Written By
- Alain Boubil & Claude-Michel Schōnberg
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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