Les Misérables - School Edition

Les Misérables School Edition 

A musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg 

Produced by: Barnstaple Young Generation 

Performed at: The Venue, Barnstaple 

Directed by: Tom Hearn 

Choreographer: Liv Edwards 

Musical Director: Naliah Ruhleman 

NODA Rep: Stephen Fudge 

What an absolute pleasure it was to be invited to my very first performance as a new NODA rep – Barnstaple Young Generation’s production of Les Misérables. As I drove down the motorway  towards Barnstaple, I felt increasingly excited to see the show and, of course, to meet one of my  new groups in the district. I’m thrilled to say, that excitement was not misplaced! 

From the moment I arrived, I was made to feel incredibly welcome – with a warm reception and  generous hospitality from Sue and Graham (thank you both for instantly putting me at ease). I  was also mesmerised by The Venue itself. Being my first visit, I wasn’t sure what to expect – but  what an impressive space you’ve created, and I especially loved the tiered seating which gave  everyone a great view of the stage. 

Few musicals capture the hearts of audiences quite like Les Misérables, and your decision to  stage this production could not have come at a better time, aligning perfectly with the  nationwide “Let the People Sing” initiative celebrating the show’s 40th anniversary. It’s a brave  choice – but my goodness, your bravery more than paid off. 

For those unfamiliar, Les Misérables is an epic tale of justice, redemption, love, and revolution,  set in 19th-century France. At its heart is Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for 19 years after  stealing bread to feed his sister’s child. On release, a chance act of mercy transforms his life,  but he’s relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert, who believes justice is absolute and change is  impossible. It’s a sweeping and emotional journey that asks: can a person truly change – and  what does it mean to do the right thing, even at great personal cost? 

Alongside this powerful narrative is a score packed with some of the most iconic and stirring  musical numbers in theatre – instantly recognisable, even to those who’ve never seen the show.  It’s no surprise that Les Misérables continues to stand as one of the most enduring and  impactful stories in both literature and musical theatre. 

So, let’s get down to the detail. 

The pre-set instantly took us into the world of Les Misérables. The silhouetted backdrop,  combined with the French Flag, offered a simple yet highly effective interpretation of the show’s  setting. Sitting in the auditorium before the show began, I found myself wondering, “How on  earth are they going to put Les Misérables on that stage?” Well – you did, and impressively so. At  no point did the staging feel cramped or overly busy. The set design throughout the production  was consistently strong, with each scene flowing smoothly into the next. A particular highlight  was the barricade – exceptionally constructed and incredibly atmospheric. A big well done must  go to your set designer and builder for their outstanding work. 

As the audience took their seats, the inclusion of Gavroche delivering the mobile phone  announcement was a particularly charming touch. It set the tone with humour and warmth,  immediately establishing character and drawing the audience into the world of the show before  the action had even officially begun. This was also present before Act Two, to remind us of the  loud bangs in the fighting scenes. These kinds of thoughtful, in-character moments really  enhance the audience experience – a lovely detail. 

The opening scene transported us straight back to 1815 with a powerfully staged prologue. The  rhythmic striking of the hammers against the floor was tightly timed and visually impactful,  creating an immediate sense of hardship and oppression among the prisoners. This was a well rehearsed and cohesive sequence, heightened by the intimidating presence of the guards.  However, the microphone balances were not quite right during this section – for around a third  of the prologue, the vocal lines were lost beneath the hammering and the band, making it  difficult to catch the full effect of the music and lyrics. This is something to watch out for in  future productions, particularly in sequences where live effects and ensemble vocals compete  for attention. 

Additionally, the guards’ costumes felt too modern for the historical setting and became a mild  distraction. There were a few other moments later in the production where costume choices  appeared inconsistent – a blend of era-appropriate attire alongside some noticeably modern  garments that disrupted the overall period aesthetic. Thénardier’s hat was also a notable miss – while in character, it unfortunately obscured much of this character’s face and masked a great  actors’ expressions at key moments. These certainly aren’t criticisms, just observations.  

Overall, this production of Les Misérables was an overwhelming success. I thoroughly enjoyed  the show from start to finish, and it’s clear that immense care and commitment went into every  element of the performance. There were several standout moments for me: Master of the  House was a wonderfully uplifting and entertaining number that brought much-needed levity,  delivered with great energy and comic timing. Do You Hear the People Sing? Was handled with  intense respect and emotional sincerity by the ensemble, giving this signature anthem the  weight and passion it deserves. Bring Him Home, performed by Jean Valjean, was breathtaking  – a true emotional masterpiece, tenderly sung and beautifully delivered. And my personal  favourite Red & Black, was executed with strength and conviction, showcasing both vocal  power and dynamic stage presence. A memorable and triumphant production.

Technical effects 

The technical effects throughout the production were excellently handled and added real  impact to the overall presentation. The lighting was well judged, enhancing both the dramatic  tension and the emotional beats of the story without ever overwhelming the action. The use of  pyro-style effects during the battle scenes was very effective, adding intensity and realism  without becoming intrusive. The amount of smoke used was spot on – enough to create  atmosphere while still allowing the action to remain visible. A strong achievement by the  technical team. 

Musical Director 

I must commend you on your incredible work for steering such a complex and demanding score  with confidence and skill. The cast were clearly well rehearsed musically, and the vocal  harmonies – particularly in ensemble numbers like At the End of the Day and One Day More – were tight and well balanced. The band played with energy and sensitivity, enhancing the  performance without overpowering the singers (with the exception of a few moments early in  the show where mic levels needed adjusting, as previously noted). The tempo choices felt  appropriate throughout, and musical cues were incredibly sharp. A strong achievement all  round. 

Choreographer 

The choreography throughout the production was solid and well-executed. In the scenes where  the majority of the ensemble were on stage, the movement was clearly well planned to ensure  that the space never felt overcrowded or chaotic. The blocking complimented the music and  drama effectively, allowing each performer to contribute to the storytelling without drawing  focus unnecessarily. A particular highlight for me was the wedding scene – the simple, yet  effective routine here was charming and perfectly suited to the moment, adding warmth and  lightness before the drama resumed. Overall, the choreography served the production well and  was integrated seamlessly into the wider staging.  

Jean Valean 

This was an outstanding performance from the moment you stepped on stage – powerful,  assured, and instantly commanding. Your voice was superb throughout, and you set the tone for  the production right from the opening moments. Both Who am I? and Bring Him Home were  standout highlights, delivered with vocal control and emotional depth that truly moved the  audience. Your final scene was beautifully handled – powerful and sincere. There was also a  very believable chemistry between you and Cosette, which added warmth to your character’s  emotional journey. The scene in which you carried Marius was also commendable,  demonstrating both physical and emotional commitment. An amazing performance all round,  and one that anchored the production with strength and integrity. 

Inspector Javert  

You brought a strong stage presence and a superb, commanding voice to the role – a great fit for  such a formidable character. Your solo vocals were particularly captivating, holding the  audience’s attention with clarity and emotional control. At times, I did feel you were slightly  holding back – and with a character like Javert, don’t be afraid to fully lean into the intensity.  Villains can often carry more, and there’s rarely harm in pushing the boundaries just a little 

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further. That said, your performance was consistently engaging, and the bridge death scene was  cleverly staged and delivered with great conviction. You also shared an excellent on-stage  chemistry with Jean Valjean, which gave real weight to their ongoing conflict. A strong  compelling performance. 

Fantine  

What an iconic role to undertake – and you truly delivered! Your portrayal of Fantine was  heartfelt, moving and deeply affecting. You conveyed the character’s growing pain and  harrowing ordeal with sincerity and depth, allowing the audience to truly feel her suffering.  I Dreamed a Dream was superb – a captivating and gripping rendition that held the room  completely still. Despite a brief moment where your wig slipped during the number, your  unwavering commitment to the role was nothing short of professional. You didn’t let it affect  your delivery for a second, and you discreetly corrected it off stage. You struck just the right  balance of emotion and anguish, and your death scene, shared with Jean Valjean was  performed with great compassion. Your return at the end to guide Valjean in his final moments  was also deeply touching and added a beautiful layer of emotional closure. A very good job all  round. 

Cosette  

You delivered a lovely performance with a beautiful singing voice that really suited the role. Your  chemistry with Marius was handled with a delicate and believable touch, and you brought a  calm, grounded presence to every scene. One standout moment was the transition from the  joyful wedding into the sorrow of Jean Valjean’s death – you made that emotional shift with great  skill and sincerity. A big well done on a thoughtful and committed portrayal. 

Marius  

For your first show with BYG, this was an impressive achievement – landing such a significant  role and delivering it with real maturity. You handled the emotional balancing act between  Cosette and Eponine with great sensitivity, which is no easy task. The scene where Eponine  succumbed to her injuries was especially powerful, with both of you delivering moving  performances that truly struck a chord. Your solo of Empty Chairs and Empty Tables was a real  standout – flawless, heartfelt, and full of quiet grief. A very strong performance all round. 

Enjolras  

Wow – what can I say? You are a star in the making! From the moment you appeared, your stage  presence was commanding, polished, and absolutely magnetic. You had the audience  completely captivated with every entrance and line, showing maturity and confidence beyond  your years. Your diction was flawless, ensuring every word landed with clarity, and you brought a  natural sense of authority to the role that never wavered. Your lead vocals in Red and Black were exceptional, setting the tone for your character’s conviction and drive, and this leadership  carried through beautifully into the Act One finale, One Day More. You struck the perfect  balance between revolution and heart, anchoring the ensemble with strength and charisma.  You have real star quality – I genuinely see a bright future for you on the stage. I understand this  is your final show with BYG, and I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.

Eponine 

You truly looked and embodied the role of Eponine – everything about your performance felt  authentic and lived-in. Your voice was absolutely stunning and suited the emotional depth of  the character beautifully. I really felt your pain as you came to realise that Marius was slipping  away from you, and your portrayal of that heartbreak was both raw and genuine. A Heart Full of  Love was a particular highlight – filled with the perfect mix of longing and quiet resignation, and  your death scene was deeply moving, delivered with real emotional weight. A touching and  memorable performance. 

Thénardier 

Well, this certainly is a great comedy role – and you seized it with incredible confidence as the  unforgettable Master of the House! Your performance oozed character, and I couldn’t help but  get strong Captain Jack Sparrow vibes from your movement and tongue-in-cheek delivery – it  was fantastic. You fully embraced the cheeky, sneaky, utterly untrustworthy nature of  Thénardier, capturing that “do not trust this person” energy to perfection, which made your  portrayal all the more entertaining. When you launched into Master of the House, you  absolutely commanded the stage, delivering the punch and lift in energy that the audience  needed at just the right time. A brilliant performance, well done. 

Madame Thénardier 

First impressions really do count – and I can’t move on without celebrating that costume! It was  absolutely incredible and set the tone for your character perfectly. You’re clearly a skilled  comedy actress, with razor-sharp timing and wonderfully expressive stage presence that was  felt in abundance. I particularly appreciated your commitment to the role – you never once  broke character, even when in the background, which added so much to the overall believability  of the scenes. A great job and a thoroughly enjoyable performance! 

Gavroche  

You had instant presence, even from the very first moment with your opening announcement – a  fantastic and confident introduction. A cheeky chappie through and through, you captured the  hearts of the audience in a heartbeat with your energy and charm. Your singing was spot on, and  you delivered your moments with style and confidence. The heart-wrenching scene where you  were killed in battle – followed by your masterful fall from the wall into Enjolras’ arms was  incredibly moving and brilliantly executed. A standout performance. 

Young Cosette  

A brief appearance, but certainly a memorable one – you instantly caught our hearts with your  presence and innocence. You brought a sense of vulnerability to the role, which is hard to  capture, but you did so brilliantly. A charming performance.

Ensemble 

What an impressive ensemble cast! You were dedicated and polished throughout every scene,  clearly understanding the brief and delivering some incredible and memorable moments. The  ensemble singing was simply brilliant, paired with well-executed choreography. Highlights for  me included Lovely Ladies, Master of the House, One day more, and a truly show-stopping  

finale. Your composure and commitment during the emotionally intense battle scenes was also  exceptional. A huge well done to you all – you were the backbone of this production. 

Director  

Taking on Les Misérables is no easy task – it’s a mammoth of a show, both emotionally and  technically. But under your direction, this production found its heart. Your vision was clear, and  the storytelling throughout was tight and purposeful. The transitions were slick, the use of space  was smart, and you struck a strong balance between emotional depth and theatrical spectacle.  While there were a few inconsistencies in costume detail, the overall staging and cast cohesion  made up for it. Your ability to guide such a large cast and maintain a strong pacing and energy  throughout is a real credit to your directorial approach. You should be incredibly proud of what  you’ve brought to the stage. 

To round things off, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone at Barnstaple Young  Generation for such a warm and friendly welcome to my first show with your group. What an  absolute joy ’t's been to watch such a talented and passionate bunch bring Les Misérables to  life in such a powerful way. This is no easy show to pull off, but you tackled it head-on and  delivered something truly special. You should all be really proud of what you’ve achieved – I  know I’m proud to have you on my district, and I can’t wait to see what you do next. 

See you all very soon, 

Stephen Fudge

 

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