Students amaze audiences with Les Miserables School Edition

Posted: 6th February 2019

Ninety students from All Saints’ Academy took part in their biggest musical production yet, Les Misérables School Edition. Students from Year 7 to Year 13 took on roles of the cast and crew to bring the revolution to life.

The musical is set against the backdrop of 19th century France and tells an enthralling story of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. Featuring the famous songs ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, ‘On My Own’, ‘Bring Him Home’ and ‘One Day More’ this production was one not to be missed!

Talented students auditioned for parts at the beginning of October and rehearsed for 3 and half months to give the most phenomenal sell out performances on Thursday 31st January, Friday 1st February and Saturday 2nd February 2019. Students brought the audience to tears during several songs such as Liv’s portrayal of Fantine and her emotional ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, Oliver’s performance as Marius with the famous ‘Empty Chairs and Empty Tables’, Iwan as Jean Valjean with his heart-wrenching 'Bring Him Home', Callum as Javert delivered audience favourite 'Stars' and seasoned performer Jose's began the revolution with 'Red and Black' as Enjloras. Comedic relief was delivered by Harvey and Chantae who brilliantly portrayed Monsieur and Madame Thenardier, the thieving landlords who look after Cosette.

Students making their debut on the All Saints' Academy stage and taking the audience by storm was Shana as Eponine who wowed audiences with Les Miserables classic: 'On My Own'. Leah made her All Saints' Academy musical debut as Cosette singing songs such as 'A Heart Full of Love'. Year 7 students taking to our stage for the first time were Maddox as Gavroche and Lucy as little Cosette, both showed off their fantastic voices and had brilliant stage presence.

The Mayor of Cheltenham, Bernard Fisher was in attendance on Friday and said ‘I was very impressed with the talented young people of All Saints’ Academy and hope their careers continue to blossom.  We were also impressed with the ambience of the school and the enthusiasm of staff, students, parents and governors.

Vice Principal Mr Wilkinson said 'Les Miserables was another rousing triumph for All Saints' Academy's performing arts team. To take on such a long and complex story with such stirring themes underlines the ambition the staff have for the students and boy did they meet it! The ever expanding cast and crew included students from all age groups working side by side and unearthed some more hidden talents – most notably, the affecting performances from Shana as Eponine and Maddox as Gavroche. They slotted in seamlessly alongside the more established and developing talents of Liv who broke our hearts as Fantine, Chantae and Harvey in devilish form as the charismatic and fiendish Thernardiers. At the helm led Iwan White as Jean Valjean wringing every emotion from his desperate plight and reminding us all of essential goodness of mankind. With a seemingly endless cast of players in support the team are well blessed with a production line to continue to push the boundaries in future performances and set the stage for future stars to emerge.'

 

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