Les Misérables review......…………….............................................................…Page

Marvellous Les Mis

In case you didn’t manage to see the College’s wonderful production of Les Miserables last term, here is what you missed.

It is safe to say that ‘Les Misérables’ did not live up to its name of being miserable; it was in fact described by an audience member as like being “transported to the West End”. The whole of the cast was simply fantastic, with special mention to the principles who transformed the school stage into 19th Century Paris.

From the very opening of the musical, the audience was transported to the dirty, dank atmosphere of an 1815 French jail through the spectacularly solemn singing of the prisoners. This continued throughout the play through the extraordinary singing of the chorus, who really pulled the play together to create the ambience of the revolution.

Our cover star and the musical’s leading lady, Amelia Baldock, shone as Eponine with her exceptional musical and acting skills. Her dedication to the role was clear to see as she went to lessons with a croaky voice after singing her heart out the previous night, like many others.

The performance was perfectly balanced between tragedy and comedy enforced through the hilarious duo of Thenardier and Madame Thenardier (Herbie Sleep and Polly Symes). Their acting was fantastic, providing much needed comedic relief for the audience. And, of course, the star of the show Ben Young was simply amazing in his performance of the lead role, Jean Val Jean, completely transfixing the audience with his incredible singing and acting skills.

The best costume must be awarded to Orla Boulter for her enchanting pink wedding dress in the end scene. Her amazing skills in matching the high notes of Cossette’s songs was simply fantastic.

A huge congratulations to the cast of ‘Les Misérables’ and a special well done to Mr Russell and all the teachers involved for pulling the whole thing together; it was a truly amazing experience.

The live orchestra, conducted by Mr Jordan, deserves recognition and massive congratulations too for its amazing talent behind the scenes in performing countless pieces of music, making the play even more spectacular.

Principle cast:

Amelia Baldock - Eponine Orla Boulter - Cosette Fin Tomlinson - Javert Ben Young - Jean Val Jean Charlie Maidens - Marius Herbie Sleep - Thenardier Joe Muschialli - Enjolras Polly Symes - Madame Thenardier Millie Cranston - Fantine Poppy Campion - Gavroche