Wow....just wow!!
A total of 44 young students aged between 9 and 16 took to the Academy Theatre stage this evening to perform perhaps the world's most famous piece of emotionally-charged musical theatre. Albeit this was the "school edition", it really didn't skimp or pull any punches, and these youngsters pulled out every stop to make it one of the best shows performed by children that I have seen in a long time.
The students were taken from 9 Greater Manchester schools al under the Co-op Academies Trust, and as such getting them all to rehearsals each week must have been something of a logistical nightmare. But it paid dividend many times over. And with a dedicated and passionate creative team behind these students, we had a superb multi-level set and barricade, a large live band made up from both school teachers and RNCM students (another brilliant collaboration idea), and a creative and professional lighting design. We even had a large screen to the rear of the stage upon which pertinent images were projected to ameliorate and enhance the settings, which were, by and large, the art works of Les Miserables author, Victor Hugo. (with a little tampering to make them work for this production by Steve Brice).
Of course, a review from me wouldn't be a review from me if I was not able to pass a few comments about the staging etc. And my first thought was that the dirty faces didn't really work. I understand why this would have been thought to have been a good idea, but in truth it just looked wrong, and didn't look like dirt. Two of the most iconic moments of this musical were sadly underplayed and didn't truly have the dramatic impact that they ought to have had. The man being caught under the cart and Valjean lifting the cart to free him, and Javert's suicide from the bridge were both a little underwhelming most unfortunately. The only other 'issue' this evening were the mics, which were playing up during the first act, but the tech team obviously knew and were on the ball, since these were all rectified for act 2!
However, when everything else in this show was absolutely top-notch, and these 44 teenagers and preteens have worked so hard to put on an almost flawless production, it might be a little churlish to criticise!
The show started with a very strong opening chorus of 'At The End Of The Day', and the energy, impact, line, and characterisations never faltered from start to the final words of their act two finale. The ensemble / chorus work was excellent throughout, with some nice harmonies coming through too. It isn't usual for me to single out ensemble members but in this instance I hope you don't mind my so doing. There was one girl, Eva Crewdson, who simply stood out on her every entrance. Not because she was stealing the show... far from it, but simply because she was completely in the zone and giving it her absolute all the whole time without once coming out of character. Another young girl, who was often seen with her on stage, also impressed. Her name was Isla Moore.
And now to the principals And what can I say?! These roles are not easy ones, even for those who have had years of training and experience, and they also require a certain age and experience to bring these characters to bear. Oscar Graydon as Jean Valjean was simply superb, carrying the show with his upright and honourable single-mindedness and kindness, whilst just a upright, but for differing reasons, was the police inspector hunting him down, Javert, played with unerring rectitude by James Rawling. Also deserving of much credit, the other principals were excellently chosen and gave their cumulative alls to this show. Fantine's (Emma Taaffe) 'I Dreamed A Dream' was lovely and heart-wrenching; whilst Cosette (Rubie Elizabeth Ward), Eponine (Sharon Ighodaro), and Marius (Michael Yakubu), all gave excellent support as the younger generation / love interests, and added much to their roles and the show. Young Isaac Leerning was an amiable Gavroche, whilst Lucy Downes and Nnenna Agah were our young Cosette and Eponine respectively, with what will be for me, the image I shall remember from this production for a long time to come, as the little Young Cosette stands in a pool of light to the rear of the stage, broom in hand, and starts to sing 'Castle On A Cloud'.
The comedy was provided for most ably too as the obnoxious antics of M and Mme Thenardier were given rein to blossom. Charlie Hopkins's slimy innkeeper was suitably obsequious (perhaps he could have had his hair tied back out of his eyes?); whilst his no-nonsense straight-talking wife was played by fourteen-year-old Amy Bent, with a confidence and maturity well beyond her years. A talent to keep an eye on!
A thrilling and very enjoyable production created with obvious love and skill from all involved.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 14.7.23
on - 14.7.23
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