Monmouth students will bring Les Misérables to life

March 12, 2018

Oli and Toby, who play Javert and Jean Valjean, in rehearsals.

One of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history is being brought to life this week by pupils at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools.

Directed by Mr Philip Griffin and Miss Sarah Fowler, Les Misérables School Edition opens at the Blake Theatre in Monmouth on Wednesday 14th March at 7.30pm for a three-night run.

With a cast of 66 students and a 15-strong orchestra consisting of pupils, staff, professionals and peripatetic teachers, Les Misérables promises to be a spectacular production.

“The costumes, lighting and set are all looking fantastic and the cast is made up entirely of children from Monmouth School for Boys and Monmouth School for Girls,” said Miss Fowler, also the Musical Director for the production.

A through-composed musical based on the novel by French Poet and writer Victor Hugo, Les Misérables is a story of love and redemption.

It will feature a host of well-known songs, including I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, One Day More and Do You Hear the People Sing?

In 19th Century France, Jean Valjean spends 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread and is hunted for decades by ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole.

Valjean turns his life around but he ultimately sacrifices himself so that his adopted daughter, Cosette, might find happiness with Marius.

The last joint performance from pupils at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools was Beauty and the Beast in March 2016.

Miss Fowler added: “The cast and crew of Les Misérables have been working so hard in readiness for this week and it’s going to be an incredible spectacle and a fulfilling experience for everyone involved.”

Tickets, costing £10 for adults and £8 for children/concessions, are still available.