Les Misérables is a sensation on both Broadway and in the West End. After seeing last night's preview - the Norfolk Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) can assured their production will be a success in Norwich. Set amid the social and political struggles of 19th century France, the musical sweeps its audience through a tale of passion and destruction, against a backdrop of a nation in the grip of revolution. The Boublil and Schönberg score is filled with popular works such as On My Own and One Day More. Combined with Victor Hugo's classic novel of a student uprising in pre-revolutionary France, it provides a compelling tale that continues to thrill audiences. This is a big show in every way and is not a production to be undertaken lightly. It has a huge score, there are dramatic sets and it involves a cast of more than 40 actors - but the NYMT has successfully met their ambitions and do justice to one of the world's most loved musicals. First-class performances Director Adrian Connell has chosen his principal cast well and has worked them hard over the last three months to be rewarded, in the main, with first-class performances. Nineteen-year-old Joe Ringer, from Costessey, takes the lead of reformed criminal Jean Valjean. His performance grew in vocal confidence as both actor and character matured as the story developed. The first big solo comes from Jenni Woodward as Fantine, singing I Dreamed A Dream - a spellbinding moment. Jenni is something of a stalwart of Norfolk's youth theatre scene and it's easy to see why. A real talent as both an actor and a singer, who I'm sure is destined for great things in musical theatre. Valjean's arch enemy, Inspector Javert, is played by 17-year-old Jack Ollett, from Beccles. The character delivery is solid and Jack commands the stage well, but there were moments when the tuning wavered. I'm hopeful that's purely down to first night nerves. Master of the house In a musical which is fuelled from the heartache of people's misfortune, there needs to be some light relief. It's supplied in plentiful amounts from the comedy duo of Robert Heard and Becky Humphreys, both aged 18, who play the wicked Thenardiers. The rip-roaring scene Master Of The House, set in the Thenardier's tavern, is a showcase for the pair's comic timing and delivery. It's a real highlight in the performance and shows the strength of the supporting cast and chorus.  | | Cosette, Eponine and Marius |
Special mention should go to the performances of James Poole as Marius, Eloise Secker as Eponine, Sam Claflin as Enjolras and River Mace as the young Cosette. The last hurdle This production is a terrific team effort. With competent performances, an ambitious and versatile set, imaginative touches in the lighting design and sumptuous costumes - you'd think this show would be on to a winner. But after the weeks of hard-work, it was crushing to watch the cast let down at the last hurdle, by the technical support. I appreciate that Tuesday night was a preview - it was the night to iron out the details - but to miss sound cues and to leave mics open on members of cast who'd left the stage was not acceptable. Some of the story's most poignant moments were ruined by the sound of back-stage chatter and principal cast members were left to sing against the orchestra without their mics. It showed a lack of respect to a hard-working cast. I can only hope they were given an apology from those concerned. The NYMT presents this show with a competence and maturity with the future of musical theatre looking to be in safe hands. If producer Cameron Mackintosh manages to see this show, as rumoured, it's likely he'll find a few stars of tomorrow. Remember where you saw them first. Les Misérables is at the Norwich Playhouse from Tuesday 5 - Saturday 9 April, 2005. For tickets call the box office on 01603 598598. | 
