Richard Lander School’s recent production of Les Misérables can only be described as a theatrical triumph. From the opening note to the final curtain, the cast, crew, and orchestra delivered a performance that rivalled West End standards, leaving the audience captivated and deeply moved.
Leading the charge was Noah Sadka, who brought raw emotion and depth to the role of Jean Valjean. His powerful voice and nuanced portrayal of the troubled protagonist were a highlight of the night, particularly during his stirring renditions of “Bring Him Home” and “Who Am I?”. Opposite him, Ozzy Wood’s portrayal of Javert was nothing short of commanding. His intense stage presence and strong vocal delivery in numbers like “Stars” made him a force to be reckoned with, perfectly capturing the relentless nature of the character.
Kensa Freeman shone as Fantine, delivering an emotionally charged performance that resonated deeply with the audience. Her rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” was heart-wrenching, combining vulnerability and strength in equal measure. Millie Padmore’s sweet portrayal of Cosette provided a delicate contrast, especially in her duets with Daisy Hodgson, who portrayed Marius so powerfully. Their chemistry and incredible vocal performances brought tenderness and poignancy to the love story at the heart of the show. The rendition of “Empty Chairs and Empty Tables” delivered a compelling reminder of the hollowness of grief.
Ella Baker’s portrayal of Éponine was another standout. Her haunting performance of “On My Own” was full of emotion, capturing the pain of unrequited love beautifully. Meanwhile, Charlie Sisson brought passion and energy to the role of Enjolras, leading the revolutionaries with conviction and a powerful stage presence.
Comic relief came in the form of the Thénardiers, played brilliantly by Luke Dunn, Molly Royle, and Neeve Roddis-Dunstan. Their timing was impeccable, and they balanced the humour of their characters with just the right amount of menace. Reuben Henry as Gavroche and Immy Dash as Little Cosette added charm and innocence, rounding out an already stellar cast.
The ensemble cast also deserves tremendous praise for their versatility and commitment to their many varied roles. Whether portraying factory workers, students at the barricade, Parisian Inn customers or ‘lovely ladies’, the ensemble seamlessly shifted between characters, adding depth and energy to every scene. Their harmonies were impeccable, particularly during powerful group numbers like “One Day More” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?”. The chorus brought the streets of revolutionary France to life, creating a vibrant backdrop that elevated the entire production, further enhanced by amazing costumes, set and props. From the flamboyant outfits of the Thénardiers to the giant barricade, the costumes and set added a striking visual element that immersed the audience in the world of Les Misérables.
Left of stage, the orchestra was absolutely superb, adding richness to every scene with flawless performances of the iconic score which ran throughout the entire show. The tech team’s provision of sound lighting only added to the West End-caliber feel of the production, creating a world that was both immersive and visually stunning.
Overall, this production of Les Misérables was a testament to the immense talent of the students involved and to the vision and commitment of the Richard Lander School Drama and Music departments. It was a night of extraordinary vocal performances, moving acting, and technical excellence that will not soon be forgotten.
Les Misérables was filmed and will be released on to Richard Lander School YouTube channel later this year.
