Review: SONG: Les Misérables – School Edition at The Atkinson, Southport
You can tell when a show is really special – and I mean really special – when you are walking into the venue, and people you walk past keep telling you what an ‘amazing production’ it is.
‘You’ll cry at this one’, a couple of them said. ‘Lots’.
I saw a friend of mine on our row who was back to enjoy his second performance. I would happily do the same.
Les Miserables by SONG
Never mind the tag ‘school edition’. This is as good a production as you’ll see.
Les Miserables is the most ambitious, expensive and technical musical that SONG has ever taken on, and they have absolutely smashed it. How do you top this one?
The first thing I thought when I saw the title ‘Les Misérables’ was – is this a play about Everton fans?
Seriously, I thought this is a huge production to stage. What a massive challenge for the youngsters from SONG, with the show performed entirely by students, to pull off.
Les Miserables by SONG
A huge ask for the backroom team too.
They did it. I imagine none of them will ever forget what they achieved this week, and the reaction they got from audiences.
It was an outstanding performance, supported by an incredibly strong cast.
Various performers had some huge songs to perform, some of the most famous in West End history – I Dreamed A Dream, Master Of The House, The People’s Song, One Day More, On My Own, so many more. Each one was worth the admission price alone.
Les Miserables by SONG
There were huge rounds of applause at the end of each one, and a well deserved standing ovation at the end.
The sad thing is that so many people want to see this show, and it sold out fast.
Its run is from Wednesday 10th April 2024 to Saturday 13th April 2024.
I imagine they could have staged it across four weeks and sold every seat.
Les Miserables by SONG
It is based on the iconic work of French author Victor Hugo, one of the greatest books of the 19th Century; transformed into a musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg; and produced by Cameron Mackintosh.
The production is a rollercoaster of emotions.
Starting in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, the story follows the lives and interactions of several characters, particularly the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of thief and convict to redemption as he is pursued relentlessly by Javert.in his determination to give a better life to Cosette than he or Fantine ever had.
Les Miserables by SONG
The original French musical premiered in Paris in 1980 with direction with its English-language adaptation, produced by Cameron Mackintosh, running in London since October 1985, making it the longest-running musical in the West End.
I was blown away when I first saw the production when I was 13 years old. It was an unforgettable experience.
To be able to take my 12 year old daughter to see this show was something memorable.
Les Miserables by SONG
Where do you start with the performances? Simply stunning across the board, both individually, and the complexities of the relationships between each other.
The pursuit and redemption between Jean Valjean (Harry Corcoran) and Javert (Orlando Campolucci-Bordi); the devotion between Jean Valjean and Fantine (Tess Wright) and her daughter Cosette (Lucy Scott and then Amaya Spencer); the love triangle between Marius (Evan Thorpe), Eponine (Bella Cumia then Kai-enna Mook).
Les Miserables by SONG
Enjolras (Jack Smith), Gavroche (Isaac Shea), and all the others, some of whom played multiple roles, were excellent.
There were some powerful solos which saw these brilliant performers hold the stage and entrance the audience.
It was brilliant to watch the story unfold, from revenge to forgiveness, from despair to joy, from tragedy; to more tragedy; to some great comedy.
Les Miserables by SONG
The ‘Master Of The House’ scene,. Led by the brilliantly comedic Thenardier (Joseph Bigley) and Madam Thenardier (Georgina Hankin) came as very welcome light relief and many laughs to some serious drama.
All credit to SONG Chairman Hilary Thomson; Director Karen Edge; Musical Director Andrew Srandevent; and the huge team who have made this possible.
Outstanding. It was a privilege to be there.
Les Miserables by SONG
Les Misérables – School Edition is at The Atkinson, Southport Wednesday 10th April 2024 to Saturday 13th April 2024.
For more details on what’s on at The Atkinson please visit: www.theatkinson.co.uk
Les Miserables by SONG
About SONG
SONG was formed in 1979, under the auspices of their senior society – Southport Amateur Operatic Society (now Southport Spotlights Musical Theatre Society) – to stimulate the interest of young people in musical productions. Their first production was “The Boyfriend” in 1980.
Open to young people from the age of ten upwards to 18, SONG produces two high quality productions a year – both performed at The Atkinson.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
