Les Miserables

Well the Barricades have fallen for the final time and what an incredible month long journey it has been.

A cast of 74 incredible young people, four Gavroches and 4 Cosettes also and every single one of them, worked their socks off and put every ounce of their heart and soul into this production. For me and the team it was such a privilege to watch their journey, from the first few days of rehearsals every cast member was “off book” and taking on board the direction of the team. They were making friendships, learning new skills and growing in confidence and developing their performance skills.

As you all know “Les Miserables” has been a huge part of Director: Peter Corry’s professional career and I know how special this production was to him, working with a lot of young people he knows through BSPA but also others who joined us for the summer ( though delighted many we will be seeing when we reopen next Saturday).

I know our Javert especially benefited from his knowledge of the role and was thrilled when he was granted the privilege of wearing his coat from the West End show.

I was privileged to watch all the rehearsals and all the performances and to witness the development of what is undoubtably the best version of Les Miserables I had the pleasure to watch. As many parents who watched the show more than once will have noticed, ever member of our ensemble was in character the whole way through and had been encouraged to have their own story and special moments. Who could have helped notice in “Master of the house”, while you would think all focus would be on the main action, the three girls under the table, giggling and enjoying an underage drink under the table passed by their father. Or the young cook/servant finding the dead mouse, considering what to do with it then shrugging and putting it in the mincer. I love that Peter assisted by Meabh Quinn invests so much time not only with the principals but also giving these magical moments to the ensemble and encouraging them to develop them and make them their own. That and the magical musical so expertly drilled by Ashley Fulton and with the added bonus of an amazing orchestra, made this a show to treasure and one I know our young people will never forget.

There are so many people that need thanked and who added their own expertise, whether it was the incredible sound and Lighting, the costume and props, the stage design, management , marketing , programme and chaperones. In all over 40 adults contributed their skills to make this show come to life.

I would like to thank every one of them and I know you all will have special memories of this week and please believe me that every member of the cast will never forget this show and the role you played in making it so special.

And did I mention we had 6 sold out performances which was incredible for our cast Feeling so proud and emotional and missing all those incredibly talented young people today.