"Les Miserables - Let the People Sing"

Nottingham Operatic Productions with Carlton Operatic Society, The Cast and the Theatre Royal.

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

This is truly indeed a very special production as it not only celebrates the musicals 40^th anniversary, but it also celebrates the first time that this iconic musical has been licenced to amateur groups and will be performed, not only in Nottingham, but all up and down the country as a Nationwide celebration of the musical.

Nottingham Operatic Society were asked by Cameron Mackintosh and Musical Theatre International (MTI) to lead one of eleven amateur premieres of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s multi-award winning musical phenomenon, and let's face it. you wouldn't say "no" to an iconic musical, nor to Cameron Mackintosh!

"Les Miserables" tells the story of Jean Valjean, a former convict who spends a lifetime seeking redemption. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France and the aftermath of the French Revolution, this story of intertwined destinies reveals the power of compassion and the quiet evil of indifference to human suffering.

As Valjean’s quest for a new life carries him into Paris and to the barricades of the Student Revolution, he is hunted by Inspector Javert and the ghosts of his past. Amidst the battles, he discovers the true meaning of love and salvation.

Neither barricades or a little fall of rain stopped the masses from flooding through the doors of the theatre to see this production. Nottingham has staged "Les Miserables" several times over the years, but it's always been the School Editions, so this time around we got the full glory of the musical in living colour, not just black and red!

Such was the excitement in the thespian fraternity that there are two sets of leads, shown on different performance days, giving as many people the opportunity to be part of this immense celebration, and wait until you see the size of the ensemble.

This production is such a joy for me to review because I've had the pleasure of reviewing the majority of these actors several times over the last twenty-five years, and know many of them reasonably well. Some I reviewed from their debuts, some from University productions, and I feel like a proud stage father seeing them upon this big stage in such a big production. That aside it's also so very good seeing some of these performers for the first time and feel that rush of a new generation of local stars.

I'm not going to do my usual and amass a whole lot of superlatives for every actor, not that they don't deserve them because anyone who did not know that this stage was full of "amateurs" (and I really don't like that word because there's the tendency for some people to add a negative slant to it), would have been surprised because the performance was nothing short of West End standard from every single actor. That professionalism didn't stop with the actors either.

Ollie Last is Jean Valjean (Tuesday Evening, Wednesday Matinee, Thursday Matinee, Friday Evening and Saturday Matinee). I last saw Ollie in "Guys 'n' Dolls" as part of the ensemble of crapshooters, which is probably why I didn't, at first, recognise him. This man's voice is insane. The power, passion, control and falsetto is something that will most certainly stay in my memory, making sure that I will not forget Ollie. The transformation from his first scene to his last is also incredible and very realistic with the aging process, which all goes to make sure that this performance, and this performer will be completely unforgettable.

Zak Charlesworth plays Jean Valjean (Wednesday Evening, Thursday Evening, Friday Matinee and Saturday Evening). I've seen Zak play Jean Valjean previously, so I know what a powerful performer in this role Zak is. Whichever Valjean you see, you are in for an absolute musical treat.

Dan Armstrong as Javert (Tuesday Evening, Wednesday Matinee, Thursday Matinee, Friday Evening and Saturday Matinee). Again, I've seen Dan in several big musicals over the years, but there is just something very special about this role, that makes Dan's performance also special. Apart from one of my favourite songs from this musical being "Stars", which Javert sings, it's the whole pronounced speech and singing which makes listening to Javert so easy. Again the power in his vocals just makes you tingle.

Kirt Hammonds as Javert (Wednesday Evening, Thursday Evening, Friday Matinee and Saturday Evening). Kirt I last saw as Gomez in "The Addams Family" at Loughborough and noted at that time that his vocals were almost operatic, so prepare yourself for some incredible vocals from Kirt as Javert. It was lovely as well to bump into Kirt before Tuesday's show for a quick "hello".

Christopher Grantham plays the almost haunting role of the Bishop Of Digne. Completely unrecognisable in character, but what I noticed in this production that I don't think I've seen in any of the School Editions, is that the Bishop always seems to be there as an ethereal reminder or even a good luck charm for Valjean.

Duncan Balcon is the Factory Foreman, and is a new name to me, as far as I can remember, but plays this bully with great gusto.

Andrea Chapman plays the Factory Girl, Jarrod Makin plays Bamatabois, Shannon O Donnell plays Madame, Kate Taylor plays The Old Woman, Emily Owen plays The Wigmaker.

Ella Greenwood is Fantine. Ella I have seen on stage for many years and know what a gorgeous voice she has and here she injects such emotion into these songs. Her rendition of "I Dreamed A Dream" turned this musical theatre classic into a pop power ballad, with the emphasis on power.

Laurel Jones was the grown up Cosette with Little Cosette being played on various performances by Caitlin Leighton, Emily Taylor and Mabel Kay. Laurel was, as always fabulous and refined in this role. I saw Caitlin on Tuesday, and what stage presence, confidence and a lovely, clear voice for such a young lady.

Hilary Leam as Madame Thenardier (Tuesday Evening, Wednesday Matinee, Thursday Matinee, Friday Evening and Saturday Matinee). Hilary I last saw in the rock musical "School Of Rock" last year playing a bossy Ms Scheinkopf, which she did wonderfully. Hilary takes the bossy up a notch here and shows just who wears the trousers in the Thenardier's relationship. "Master Of the House" is a brilliant comedy song and the personality Hilary puts into the vocals and the character is wonderful fun.

Sian Scattergood-Grantham as Madame Thenardier (Wednesday Evening, Thursday Evening, Friday Matinee and Saturday Evening). Knowing Sian's fun personality off stage, I just know that she is going to have an absolute ball onstage in this part.

Simon Theobald as Thenardier (Tuesday Evening, Wednesday Matinee, Thursday Matinee, Friday Evening and Saturday Matinee). Having seen Simon in quite a few productions over the years and having had several opportunities to chat with him, I know what a fun person he is so, as with Hilary, it's no surprise that this coupling was a dream made in musical theatre heaven.

Daniel Bogod as Thenardier (Wednesday Evening, Thursday Evening, Friday Matinee and Saturday Evening).

Thenardier's Gang are played by Kheenan Jones, Matt Wesson, Nick Smith and Jack Readyhoof.

Francesca Lewis as Éponine (Tuesday Evening, Wednesday Matinee, Thursday Matinee, Friday Evening and Saturday Matinee). I already knew what a gorgeous voice Francesca has, after singing "Almost Paradise" in the role as Ariel at the Arts Theatre in "Footloose". This role, which by the way is not her first time playing Eponine, gives you the opportunity to hear what a gorgeous voice she has. Another classic song from the soundtrack belongs to Eponine, "On My Own" and you get all that passion wrapped up in an incredible young star. The scene with Marius and Eponine at the barricades is possibly one of the most emotive performances of the two characters. Both Francesca and Craig Youngman, who plays Marius, put every ounce of emotion into that one scene.

Jenna Hancock as Éponine (Wednesday Evening, Thursday Evening, Friday Matinee and Saturday Evening).

Young Eponine is played by Betty Barnes and alternatively Sophie Shropshall.

Another of the young characters is of course Gavroche, the cheeky and streetwise urchin who helps out at the barricade. The role is shared by a trio of actors, Harley Butler, Henry Armstrong and Henri Reynolds. Harley was on Tuesday night and what a brilliant young actor he is. Very confident vocals and character acting, including a brilliant Cockney accent, and his final scene was incredibly poignant. I have a feeling that I may have seen Harley before as well.

Harri Evans as Enjolras, the charismatic leader of the Friends of the ABC. It's been a couple of years since I last saw Harri on stage, the last time being at the University of Nottingham in "Be More Chill". Harri's voice has advanced so much since 2023 and the power that he has in his vocals is now so obvious, and shows me that he has such strength at his disposal in his voice.

Craig Youngman is Marius. Craig is another former University of Nottingham musical student, who I also saw in the same production of "Be More Chill". As with Harri, Craig really delivered a surprisingly powerful set of vocals, and like Harri has so obviously developed a fantastically mature set of vocal skills. What Craig also has is a beautifully developed skill for character acting, and like I said earlier, the scene at the barricades with Eponine was incredibly emotional.

The other Students of the ABC are Owen Patten, Jonah Williams, Jack Lawrence, Louis Chadburn, Nathan Curzon, David Hass and Jonathan Jaycock. Every single one of these actors I have reviewed so many times over the years and have seen them all grow their acting skills, allowing me bragging rights in what I've written about them in the past to anyone and everyone I speak to.

This enormous staging also boasts an incredible ensemble which reads like a "who's who" of local theatrical talents, so here goes.....

Abby Wells, Adam Collishaw, Adele Lee, Alexandra Hazard, Alison Hope, Amanda Dixon-Smith, Amy Frost, Andrea Chapman, Antony Watson, Bethany Wong, Callie Egan, Caroline Van Der Walt, Cat Perry, Chris Heeley, Christopher Grantham, Claire Collishaw, Danniella Anderson, Darren Ward, David Hails, David Hass, David Page, Duncan Balcon, Emilia Makarewicz, Emily Corner, Emily Owen, Emily Rose, Emily Trappen, Emily Hope-Wilkins, Emma Shute, Emme Gunn, Evie Midgley, Ewan Waddell, Fiona Cook, Gemma Hardy, Hannah Haywood-Cupitt, Helen Taylor, Ian pottage, Jack Lawrence, Jack Readyhoof, Jake Gelernter, Jarrod Makin, Joanne Kay, Joanne Lale, Joe Butler, Jonah Williams, Jonathan Jaycock, Kate Taylor, Kate Williams, Kheenan Jones, Lily-Mae Evans, Lindsey Greasley, Lindsey Jaycock, Lizzie Fenner, Louis Chadburn, Louise Grantham-Lang, Lucy Maynard, Marie Nelson, Matt Wesson, Meghan Borg, Nathan Curzon, Neil Ledward, Nick Smith, Oliver Wheddon, Olivia Reid, Owen Patten, Paolo Elias, Ray McLeod, Rebecca Wilson, Rebekah Daley, Rebekah Dean, Richard Groves, Riley Halls Backler, Rosie Poesl, Ru Kniveton, Ruth Greaves, Sarah Leaton, Sarah Shields, Shannon O'Donnell, Stacey Ireson and Thomas Gregory.

Directed by David Covey. Now this show, as you can imagine, especially with the size of the cast, was never going to be an walk in the park, but what a production. I said earlier that this was like watching a West End production, and that is the quality of show that David has brought to the Theatre Royal Stage. It was tight and pacy, so do not be put off by the three hour timescale (including interval), because it flies by and you certainly get great value for money.

Choreographer and Movement Consultant is Justine Lee. Justine is just one of the reasons why this show is paced as it is. With the number of bodies on stage in some scenes, the movement has to be tight and you realise just why everyone has to be in just the right space at the right time.

Musical Direction by Morven Harrison. I know the quality of Morven's work, which is why the vocals and music, the harmonies and power are of the best quality you'll ever see and hear on stage.

Marion Fisher is the Wardrobe Manager, so as you can imagine with all of the main characters combined with the ensemble, this role is massive for this production. Fantastic costumes which require speed management as well as incredible attention to detail and co ordination, which Marion has in this vital role. There are also a whole host of others involved in this area, from dressers to distressers.

Possibly one of the reasons why I had to look really closely at this cast to recognise the actors is due to the wigs, and there are some excellent wigs for this production. David Birt is an expert when it comes to wigs, usually specialising in pantomime wigs, and it is he who is responsible for this specific area of the production. His work with ageing Valjean is wonderful, The Thenardiers' wigs are pure panto, and impossible as it may sound, Ray McLeod's wig managed to make him look even younger than he normally does!

Set and Scenic Design is by Morgan Brind. At first sight the stage design in simple but imposing, but then you have the little extras that appear as the story gets going, which is when you then realise that this design is not as simple looking as you first thought. The "barricade" scene design added another layer to the visuals.

Sound is not mentioned, as far as I could see in the programme, but whoever is responsible for the gorgeous, rich sound deserves a pat on the back. I did note a couple of mic cues that were a millisecond late but who cares. Nothing can detract from this experience.

Stage managed, and again imagine what a possible nightmare this role could be, but from the audience point of view was seamless, is all down to Nigel Newton, assisted by Matt Allcock. The Stage Crew, also responsible for the smoothness of this production are Amanda hall, Andrew Burton, Callam Mills-Brown, Charlotte Turpin, Emma Chettle, Hollie Chappell, Laura McChrystal, Laura Thurman, Sam Turpin and Tom Ward.

Lighting is by Tom Mowat. With a production of this scale, you're obviously going to employ the skills of an expert, which is the reason why Tom's skills have been utilised here. I've seen so many productions that has Tom's name attached to this area of production, and his skills add to the overall visual excellence of this faultless show. Cathy Bodman and Simon Carter are the Followspotters; another pair of lighting legends.

If you think of the number of names that I have name checked above, these are not all of the names responsible for bringing this production to the stage. there are eighteen members of the orchestra, the wardrobe production team, the Dressers, Chaperones and everyone who works for the Theatre Royal who are also involved on and off stage. You all know who you are and all are so important in making this amazing production the massive success that it is and will be for the rest of this week.

It was obvious from the start that this would be a sold out run, and would not require someone to shout about the excellence of this project, but I am so pleased and grateful for Nottingham Operatic Productions for inviting me along. When you have the opportunity to see the quality of local talent the East Midlands have, who would not accept. Support your local theatre because this is proof of the talent we have on our doorstep.

"Les Miserables - Let the People Sing" runs until Saturday 31 May.

 "The Three Musketeers" by John Nicholson and Le Navet Bete.

Nottingham Lace Market Theatre.

 

One of my favourite novels when I was a young boy - many years ago - was Alexandre Dumas' "The Three Musketeers". I read that book over and over again and, in my head, marvelled at the bravado of D'Artagnan, Athos, Aramis, and Porthos. I watched the films over the years as they all came to life outside the confines of my head and before my very eyes on both the big cinema screen and on TV. And now I get to see these characters just feet away from me on the stage; but what a very different quartet they are when compared to the words in a book or on TV.

The story starts by introducing us to the actors who, in turn, give us their potted history of when they were children, through their school days, and the formation of their drama group and this is the latest play that the group are touring. This story is a play within a play told through the eyes of children, so expect some rather silly behaviour from the stage.

What you can also expect is something like a very tasty cake where the ingredients consist of dollops of The Goon Show humour, Monty Python, Blackadder, Horrible Histories all the way through to The Play that Goes Wrong, all mixed in to create one of the silliest things that I have seen on the Lace Market Theatre stage. And I LOVED it!!

I am a big fan of silly, simple humour and this production is absolutely packed with it, and all delivered in breakneck speed with oodles of costume changes, false facial hair - some even in the right place - space hoppers, tricycles, toy ducks, make believe swords, Dexys Midnight Runners and Martine McCutcheon... and so much more! And the best thing is that even if things did go slightly awry, who's to notice?

Ok, so this is where I tell you what the tale in this show is all about.....

Armed with his questionable steed, hot-headed D’Artagnan leaves home and travels to Paris full of childish excitement and misplaced bravado to become a Musketeer. But with the scheming Cardinal Richelieu and femme fatale Milady de Winter in the mix, will things go to plan? Well, if it was going to go to plan, the show would end after about fifteen minutes, so I don't think I'm giving away any spoilers to say that the answer to this question is a resounding "NO".

After discovering that the musketeers have been disbanded, he makes it his mission to get them reinstated and become the fourth Musketeer. But will his feud with Milady thwart him? And who the heck is she anyway? Who has the bluest eyes that resemble a lake? Why is this fact so integral to the plot?

With four actors and over 30 characters this will be their most hilariously chaotic adventure yet.

Ian Currie is D'Artagnan, as well as several other characters.

Tom Pluse plays Athos, as well as several other characters.

Tilda Stickley plays Porthos, plus several other roles.

Charlotte Carter is Aramis, and like the other members of the cast, plays several of other roles in the play.

Emma Carlton is the Stage Manager. Emma doesn't play several other characters, but provides the additional bells and whistles, plus the odd horn - literally! From start to finish Emma keeps to her over stressed Stage Manager character as she opens the show by telling everyone to check that the phones are off because they did not want a similar incident to what happened at the last venue they performed at. And I'll leave it at that!

I'm not going to individually heap praise on the above because this really is an ensemble comedy masterclass. Their timing is spot on as they also operate the set to bring the story into the next scene with revolving pieces and drop downs to think about as well as the various entrance and exit points, and the many various props the thirty odd characters use.

They also deliver some very special accents including Dutch, Irish, German and French among them. This area of comedy expertise reminded me, and I will say this only once, of the way accents are used in "Allo Allo".

If you saw "The Hound Of the Baskervilles" at The Lace Market Theatre years ago, it's very similar to how that play worked; fast, funny and fabulous. Oddly enough that production was also directed by Mr Matthew Huntbach!

"The Three Musketeers" is directed by Matthew Huntbach with Ali Lit as Producer, and if they had half as much fun working on this show as we had watching this show tonight, then we enjoyed it twice as much as they have enjoyed the experience of bringing this production to the stage. And like the cast, they must also be exhausted.

Lighting Design and operation is by David Billen, and there are some very nice lighting touches in this show. The show is a colourful one, made all the more colourful with these effects and designs. The Lighting Assistants are Allan Green, Matt Allcock and Carl Inglis.

Sound Design and operation is by Darren Coxon, whose timing with the various sound cues and sound bytes were timed to perfection.

Seeing how rapid this show is also made me appreciate even more the job of the Stage Manager - the real one that is. There are scenes when an actor will exit and then come back on looking different with a different prop within seconds, so a Stage Manager like Linda Hoyland and her Assistant Stage Managers, Fayde Judd, Glyn Allen and Lesley Brown, who also managed the props with Ali Lit and Eve Baxter is absolutely vital to the fluidity of this play.

The costumes are wonderful, as only to be expected in the hands of the Wardrobe Wizard, Max Bromley, with help from Nottingham Playhouse and Le Navet.

All for fun and fun, most definitely for all who get the chance to see this rib tickler of a comedy that will leave your cheeks aching.

"The Three Musketeers" will be swashbuckling all the way through the week until Saturday 31 May.

Photographs by Grace Eden Photography.