By Jack Rooke
There can’t be many bigger challenges for a youth theatre company than taking on Les Misérables. As one of the most iconic musicals ever written, it’s loved by millions around the world, and packed with showstopping songs, emotional storylines, and complex, demanding characters. Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, it was first performed in English in 1985, and remains the longest-running musical in West End history.
NETheatre’s decision to bring the show to the Joseph Rowntree Theatre was certainly ambitious, but from the opening moments of Tuesday night’s preview performance, it quickly became clear that this talented young cast was more than capable of doing the production the justice it rightly deserves.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Les Misérables follows former prisoner Jean Valjean as he attempts to rebuild his life while being relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert, against the backdrop of political unrest and revolution in nineteenth-century France. What impressed me most throughout the evening was the quality of the performances, across the entire cast. Les Misérables is not an easy show to perform. The music is demanding, the story is emotionally intense, and there is very little room for anyone to hide. Yet, from start to finish, the cast rose to the occasion.
The principal cast delivered some excellent performances, helping to bring the story to life and ensuring the audience was fully invested in its characters and their journeys. There were plenty of standout moments, with several of the show’s best-known songs receiving deserved applause from the audience. Classic songs such as ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, ‘On My Own’, ‘Do You Hear The People Sing?’ and ‘One Day More’ were all performed with confidence and passion, while the powerful, emotive scenes landed exactly as they should. The ensemble also deserves huge credit. The barricade scenes in particular were packed with energy and helped create some of the production’s most memorable moments. Every member of the company appeared fully committed to their role, helping to create a believable and engaging world on stage.
Excellent use was made of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre stage, with smooth scene transitions and effective staging helping the story to move at a steady pace throughout. Combined with expertly executed songs and visceral performances, this staging of Les Misérables went above and beyond your average local youth theatre show – in testament to this, the conclusion was met with a roaring, thoroughly deserved standing ovation.
I’ve been fortunate enough to see a lot of theatre productions, from local amateur performances through to major touring shows, and this was undoubtedly one of the strongest youth productions I have witnessed. The hard work, dedication and talent that has clearly gone into this show was evident from the moment the curtain rose.
NETheatre’s Les Misérables is an ambitious production that delivers on every level. A fantastic showcase of young talent, a credit to everyone involved, and a reminder of just how powerful live theatre can be.
Les Misérables (School Edition) runs at Joseph Rowntree Theatre until 20 June. Visit www.josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/musical/les-misérables-school-edition/2865#schedules to get your tickets, while you still can!
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