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Les Miserables - July 2014
Standing ovations greeted the young stars of Fleet's Calthorpe Park School when they staged an ambitious production of Les Misérables (schools edition). The cast was led by James Vaughan, in the role of Jean Valjean, and Steward Ferguson-Bell as Inspector Javert. Other principal roles and solos came from Emily Morrision as Fantine, Alicia Rockall as Eponine, Daisie Gentry as Cosette, Ewen Butterfield as Enjolras, Euan Hutton as Marius and Grace Atherton as the young Cosette. The partnership of the Thénardiers was brilliantly portrayed by Harry Prescott and Daisy Brewer, while there was a deep tenor from Greg Keegan as the Bishop and a cheeky Omar Hutchison played Gavroche.
The sellout evening performances last month included an extra show for children who will be starting at the Hitches Lane School in September.
The ambitious show was produced and directed by head of Drama, Charlotte Oram, helped by Devin Möller. Miss Oram said around 200 people watched the show with standing ovations on each of the four evenings. "Many were moved to tears, and the amount of smoke created during the final barricade scene caused the fire alarms to go off on the last night," she added. "Fortunately, this was a false alarm and took place in the longest set change."
The fantastic set was designed by Pippa Lacy and built by the technology and art departments, sound and lighting was provided by Tom Leahy and James Lewis, with barricade props kindly lent by Queen Mary's College in Basingstoke.
Many of those taking part in the shows visited the London production to help them understand the story, their parts and the impact on audiences.
The orchestra comprised of students and staff, with two former students returning to help out. Head of Music, Ross Walker, said "Our musicians certainly rose to the challenge of this epic score, helping to heighten the tension in the barricade scenes and move the audience in more emotive scenes. This was the largest group of performers we have ever used for a school production, with representation from each section of the orchestra. We were pleased to contribute to such amazing performances."
Miss Oram said she was 'overwhelmed' by the quality and standard of this year's production. "All the students involved excelled in their roles, be it on or back stage," she added. "I have been very lucky to have had such a fantastic team of staff and students throughout the entire process, who have all given up hours of their spare time to help put the show together. Without the team, it simply would not be possible."
Joint Headteacher Martin Amos was delighted. "Calthorpe Park prides itself on the breadth and quality of its contributions to the arts and Les Misérables exceeded our greatest expectations," he said. "A complex and adult production was interpreted with outstanding maturity and skill from all performers and crew."
August 2013
Photos by Robert Oram
