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Student Contributions

Sam Foster
Upper Sixth
School House

Les Miserables march on...

After much hype and drama (not including the acting) the 2010 School production of Les Misérables went off with several bangs. Karen Pickles led the front line for the enemy whilst the Javertesque character of Ben Clatworthy as the Production Manager bounced back and forth.

It was always going to be interesting to witness a highly celebrated West End show appear in an alternative West End and after some serious technical issues in both the dress rehearsal and the opening matinée, tension mounted to see if it would be a success.

It was.

Before the play had even begun it was clear to see that the production had spent its money wisely – the set, whilst simplistic, had a fantastic feel and was not dissimilar to the famous West End design. As the play progressed more impressive set changes appeared with Fontine's bed appearing from under the barricades, and a desk seamlessly rolling out in M. Thernardier's workshop; cunning and subtle plans. Another slight change in the second act put the audience effectively behind the barricades, becoming part of the theatrical experience fighting with ‘la cause’ against ‘les oppresseurs'.

Enjoy the gallery

Intricate lighting and use of songs to transition scenes enabled a seamless enjoyment as opposed to the all too frequent black silhouettes fumbling in the dark that one often associates with am-dram, such as during The Innkeeper's Song when with the use of several different colours from above we were transported to inside the Thernardiers' dingy inn.

Throughout the play, one word came to mind, no matter what the scene nor whom the actors – dedication. From small things such as Jamie Smith being the ridiculously gruff slave labourer, right on through to when everybody was getting drunk thanks to Charles Markham’s personal touch, the production showed teamwork and a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’.

Pupils new and old applauded the professionalism. The acting, the singing and the music from the pit happily worked in unison to provide such a strong and persuasive argument to a bold analogy. There was some fantastic on-stage chemistry demonstrated by all.

Of course a few moments stuck out.

The ever famous love-hate relationship between M. and Mme. Thernardier was adapted into something much stronger with both Elleri Hughes and the aforementioned Charles Markham more than willing to show a clear loathing for each other whenever possible, and when in character.

There were also memorable performances from Esther Bebb (Fantine) who even from her death bed was able to project her voice beautifully, and Venetia Sims (Eponine) whose charismatic performance led her to not only control Marius' heart, but the audience's as well.

Other strong performances came from some of the new faces as well, both Cosettes really projected themselves well and sang some breathtaking solos. Anna John as Cosette managed to form such strong on-stage chemistry with both Marius (Will Rushworth) and of course, Valjean (James Goldsworthy) who in turn with Peter Taylor, who played Javert, managed to make us believe that they had been fighting each other for all those years. Plus the ever recognised James Hanson as Enjolras seemed so calm and collected on stage even though he was the driving force for the revolt.

One other outstanding performance came from Gavroche played by Tomas Feist and a brilliantly directed scene with a lightening strike for every bullet as the audience were riveted by his demise.

Although it was a pupils’ production, it could not have been so successful without the support of a number of members of staff and thanks go to them, in particular Dan Robson, Jody Lewarne, all of the fantastic orchestra and those on the technical side from orchestra and make-up to sound and light and of course last but not least the ever loved Mrs Pickles putting everything nicely together.

Throughout the week, the morale grew ever stronger in the cast and it was clear to see that they were working to have a fantastic finale with the all important 'Gala Night'. After the strongest performance of the week and an encore of One Day More, there was nothing left to do but say farewell.

Then come Sunday lunch time the cast were back in the Redgrave doing their duty of 'clearing up' and as James Hanson said “Seeing the Barricades being taken down today at the Redgrave was like watching footage of Old Wembley being demolished – utterly heartbreaking”. This truly depicts how strongly the whole cast felt about Clifton College's longest ever running musical. Which saw hundreds of emails being sent around from throughout the summer holidays, and then as of Day 1 back at School, the invitation for auditions was already upon us.

A great event, enjoyed by all and from start to finish it was clear to see how much time and effort had been spent in getting every little intricate detail spot on.

26 November 2010

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