Les Misérables Program - Scotch College Senior Production
Scotch College Melbourne Drama & Music and Lauriston Girls’ School Drama Department present the Senior College Musical for 2026
A new production of BOUBLIL and SCHÖNBERG’s
Performed entirely by students
A musical by
ALAIN BOUBLIL and CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG
School Edition specially adapted and licensed exclusively by Music Theatre lnternational (Australasia) and CAMERON MACKINTOSH LTD
Thursday 30TH JULY 7pm
Friday 31ST JULY 7pm
Saturday 1ST AUGUST 7pm
Sunday 2ND AUGUST 2.30pm
GEOFFREY McCOMAS THEATRE
JAMES FORBES ACADEMY, SCOTCH COLLEGE
Director’s Note
“Come with me where chains will never bind you.” Fantine – Epilogue
Welcome to Les Misérables –School Edition.
As Scotch College celebrates 175 years of history, it is fitting that we present one of the most enduring and beloved works in musical theatre. We are currently celebrating the 40th anniversary of Les Misérables on the world stage, a remarkable milestone for a musical that continues to resonate with audiences through its exploration of courage, compassion, justice, sacrifice and hope.
Les Misérables is a monumental undertaking. Its scale, musical complexity, technical demands and emotional depth make it one of the most ambitious works in the theatrical canon. It is a production whose challenges I have never underestimated. Bringing this story to life requires extraordinary commitment from every member of the company, making it a fitting work through which to celebrate both the College’s 175-year history and the enduring power of theatre to shape character, empathy and understanding.
This production has truly been a labour of love. Cast in December 2025, students from Scotch College and Lauriston Girls’ School have dedicated themselves to this journey, developing not only their performance skills but also the resilience, discipline and collaborative spirit required to bring a work of this magnitude to the stage.
I would also like to acknowledge the many students who have contributed behind the scenes. Our orchestra and crew have worked with exceptional dedication and professionalism.
My sincere thanks go to Dave Musk, Ned Dixon and Adrienne Mewett, whose expertise, generosity and unwavering support have been invaluable throughout this process. Their dedication to both the production and our students has helped make this ambitious undertaking possible. Finally, thank you to our families, friends and wider school community. Your support enables opportunities such as this to flourish.
We are delighted to share with you the culmination of many months of hard work and invite you to experience this extraordinary story of humanity, courage, sacrifice and hope.
As we celebrate 175 years of Scotch College and 40 years of Les Misérables, we are reminded that great stories endure because they continue to speak to what it means to be human. The lessons within Victor Hugo’s masterpiece remain as relevant today as ever: that character is forged through adversity, that compassion has the power to transform lives, and that each generation has a responsibility to contribute to something greater than itself.
“Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me?” – People Song Hayley
Sandpearl Director and Head of Drama
Musical Director
The score to Les Misérables is one of the most recognisable works of musical theatre in the last fifty years. The lyrics of Alain Boubil and music of Claude-Michel Schönberg became the foundation of what is now the second longest running musical in the world.
The orchestrations for Les Mis have changed several times since its first English performance in 1985. Cut back from a larger orchestra by Cameron Mackintosh for the West End opening, the current school edition is closer in size to the 25th anniversary scoring.
Playing Les Mis as a school student is an unforgettable experience. Playing it as part of an entirely student orchestra is almost unheard of. I am in awe of the musical talent that has come forward from both Scotch and Lauriston to work on this production, and their incredible work is a testament to their passion for their instruments.
As vocal director, Ned Dixon has worked pure magic with the cast. His passion for voice and incredible knowledge of musical theatre has shaped this wonderful group of young people into a tight-knit, confident ensemble. As someone who plays piano like he’s wearing concrete boxing gloves, and can only sing to the shower gel bottle, I’m truly in debt to Ned for dedication to this production, and am eternally grateful.
David Musk
Musical Director
Musical Numbers
Act One
• Prologue
• At the End of the Day
• I Dreamed a Dream
• Lovely Ladies
• Who Am I?
• Castle on a Cloud
• Master of the House
• Look Down
• Stars
• Red and Black
• Do You Hear the People Sing?
• A Heart Full of Love
• One Day More
Act Two
• Building the Barricade
• Drink With Me
• Bring Him Home
• The Final Battle
• Javert’s Suicide
• Turning
• Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
• Every Day
• Wedding Chorale
• Beggars at the Feast
• Epilogue
• Finale: Do You Hear the People Sing?
Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, Les Misérables was adapted into a French concept album by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg in 1980 before being reimagined for the stage by producer Cameron Mackintosh. The musical premiered in London’s West End in 1985 and has since become one of the most successful and enduring productions in theatre history. The Schools Edition, specially adapted for student performers while retaining the power and scope of the original work, has enabled young people around the world to bring this epic story to the stage. Scotch College is proud to present its first production of Les Misérables: School Edition as part of the College’s 175th anniversary celebrations.
Production History Synopsis
In 1815, Jean Valjean is released from prison after serving nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread. Shunned by society, his life is transformed by an act of kindness from a Bishop, inspiring him to begin anew. Under a new identity, Valjean builds a successful life, but remains pursued by the relentless Inspector Javert, who believes that justice can never be escaped.
Years later, Valjean promises to care for Cosette, the young daughter of the dying factory worker Fantine. Rescuing Cosette from the cruel Thénardiers, he raises her as his own child. As Cosette grows up, she falls in love with the idealistic student Marius, whose friends are preparing to fight for a better future during the June Rebellion of 1832.
As revolution erupts on the streets of Paris, the lives of Valjean, Javert, Cosette, Marius, Éponine, and the student revolutionaries become intertwined. Through love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption, Les Misérables explores what it means to show compassion in a world shaped by hardship and injustice.
This performance will run for approximately 2 hours 50 minutes with a 20 minute interval.
• Please observe the Green Emergency Exit Signs nearest your seat
• Please note that strobe lighting and haze effects will be used during the performance
• Flash photography and recording is not permitted
• We would also ask you to turn off your mobile phones during the performance
• Please note that smoking is not permitted on the school campus or in this venue
