The sports hall was transformed into 19th-century France as pupils brought Victor Hugo’s timeless tale of redemption, revolution, and resilience to the stage. The show was a testament to the dedication and talent of our school’s music and drama departments.

Cast and performances

At the centre of the show, Toby Hassall gave a powerful performance as Jean Valjean, capturing the tortured soul and unshakeable moral strength of the character. Equally compelling was Arjun Toora as Javert who brought a commanding presence to the stage. The tension between Valjean and Javert provided the dramatic backbone to the production.

Olivia Haves’ portrayal of Fantine was incredibly tender and Henry Shaw’s portrayal of Marius extremely heartfelt while Jack Stevens and Molly Millward, as Monsieur and Madame Thénardier, brought a ‘joie de vivre’ to the stage! The ensemble also deserves praise for their energy and cohesion, especially during large numbers like “One Day More” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?” which filled the auditorium.

Staging and Music

Under the direction of Miss Deacon and Miss Slade, the production made excellent use of limited space, with clever set transitions and props. The barricade scene, always a challenge for school productions, was executed with real dramatic impact.

The live orchestra, conducted by Mr Wysome, added depth behind the strong vocals. Made up of pupils, teachers and loyal ‘friends and family’ of the music department, it was a pleasure to welcome back past School Captains ON Will Roddy (2023) and ON Gareth Tindall (2024).

Conclusion

In the words of one parent, "It was brilliant! The hard work and commitment was evident and the result was very professional and so atmospheric - tissues were needed! Thank you for a wonderful evening."

Bravo to everyone involved, on stage and behind the scenes, for delivering an exceptional production.