Jaron Lewis-Haynes as Gavroche in Les Miserables: Let The People Sing
Les Miserables (or “Les Mis”) is one of the most successful musicals of all time. It is also the longest running musical in the West End, and is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. It has some of the best known songs in musical theatre (“I Dreamed a Dream” being just one) and constantly tops the polls in favourite musical lists. Nothing more needs to be said about it really.
This however is something new. This is the UK amateur premiere. A joint production between four local amateur theatre companies: BMOS Musical Theatre Company, Bilston Operatic Company, Bournville Musical Theatre Company, and West Bromwich Operatic Society. There have been school editions before but never an amateur version of the full production.
The announcement of this was huge and everyone was aware what a big deal this was. The casting process was immense with these iconic roles being much sought after. Did they pull it off? Absolutely.
From the moment the orchestra hit the first bars of the overture the excitement was palpable (the orchestra were fantastic by the way – absolutely perfect).
A cast of nearly sixty gave everything to this. The vocals were fantastic. Perfectly sung all round.
In the lead role of Jean Valjean we had (for this performance) Wil Neale, who’s voice was perfection. Absolutely stunning vocals. In fact there are many performances in the production that are professional standard. Ben Evans as Enjolras could easily be in the West End. Fantastic voice. Other notable performances are Robbie Love as Javert and Beth Dickson as Eponine. Both wonderful performers and singers. My favourite though was Jaron Lewis-Haynes as (at this performance) Gavroche. A brilliant scene-stealing performance from one so young (note to these companies – you need to do Oliver and have him as the Artful Dodger).
Was the show perfect? No. There were some lighting issues that need to be addressed (as well as some sound issues) and some very clumsy scene changes but I feel they can be forgiven as this was such a huge undertaking and you can see everyone has given their absolute all. Everyone should be extremely proud (the audience obviously agreed as the entire crowd gave a standing ovation).
The people SANG. Bravo.
Five stars. A tour de force.
