Best School Production?

So was the excitement surrounding last week’s Senior production of Les Misérables School Edition justified?  Most definitely.  “Best ever school production”, “Tremendous”, “Reduced me to tears”, “Absolutely fantastic” were just a few of the enthusiastic comments overheard.  The nightly standing ovations were a tribute to the work of the cast, band, crew and production team all of whom contributed to make this such a memorable production.  Under the sure direction of Ms Middleton, Head of Drama, this was a show which looked and sounded terrific.  The band, conducted by our Director of Music Mr Bluff, excelled itself in dealing with a complex score.  Vocals were no less easy, and Mrs Foinette did a great job with the singers.

The leading performers displayed great maturity and sensitivity in their portrayal of the characters and their singing.  Of especial note were Upper Sixth Formers Charlie Layburn as ex-convict Jean Valjean, whose story forms the basis of the plot, and Dom Innes-Taylor as his nemesis, Javert.  Fantine, who has probably the most well-known song in the production with “I Dream A Dream”, was touchingly portrayed by Julia Jones.  Olivia Hitching (Cosette) and Zara Myers (Éponine) gave strong performances as rivals for the affections of the student revolutionary Marius (Joe Aggarwal).  This is not a production renowned for lighter moments but some welcome comic touches were introduced by the Thérnardiers (Ollie Parker and Pria Kalsi).  They were all ably supported by a large ensemble cast, all of whom had worked hard for several months leading up to the performances.