Les Misérables

Les Misérables is a juggernaut of a musical! Originally a novel by Victor Hugo, written in 1862, it was adapted as a sung through musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boubil in 1980 and has become a popular choice for amateur companies.

For the few people who don’t know, Les Mis is the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant, and his desire for redemption, released in 1815 after serving nineteen years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's starving child.

Unlike many musicals, Les Misérables does not depend on glittery dances numbers; instead it focusses on singing and emotion and Gordon Combes’ production has this in bucketloads!

Combes draws out every ounce of drama from the libretto and presents it on a multi-level set designed by Combes and John Sheehan, moodily lit by Ian Barge (with Combes). Thanks to his direction we are drawn into the lives of the characters and feel their pain and elation.

Matthew Rumley’s orchestra (cleverly hidden behind the back of the set), while having their own moments, particularly the barricade scenes, plays sensitively under the principal vocals ensuring every word is heard.

Sue Pole’s choreography makes full use of the stage, particularly in the sweeping waltzes of the wedding scene.

In my opinion, Les Misérables lives or dies with the casting of Jean Valjean. Northern Light Theatre Company are fortunate to have Mark Oates from State Opera SA, fresh from his success as Dr Duncan and Don Dunstan in the stellar production of Watershed. Oates has played this role several times before and it has been a joy to watch his characterisation develop over these productions.

His Jean Valjean is frighteningly real. We share his joys, despair and regrets. As well as a remarkable nuanced voice, he imbues Valjean with humanity, his eyes drawing the audience into his soul. His “Who Am I?” left me with tears in my eyes.

David MacGillivray’s Javert, Valjean’s nemesis, is a tortured soul torn between duty and what he knows to be right. His “Stars” and ensuing suicide, so often the test of this role, was played powerfully but also with a sense of fragility.

Kate Hodges’ Fantine, although briefly on stage, makes her presence felt, particularly in “I Dreamed a Dream” and the “Epilogue”, played with heartfelt emotion.

The ‘love triangle’ Marius (Nicholas Munday), Cosette (Tasmin McGill) and Eponine (Liliana Carletti) is totally convincing - working together, each have their own special moments: “Empty Chairs and Empty Tables” (Marius), “A Heart Full of Love” (Cosette) and “On My Own” (Eponine). I was impressed with the staging of “In My Life”, which highlights the love between Marius and Cosette and the estrangement of Eponine.

Billy St John brings a strong voice to Enjolras. His vocals ring out over the ensemble and bring solidarity to the students, particularly in “Do You Hear The People Sing?” and “One Day More”.

The ‘eccentrics’ - Thenardier (James McCluskey-Garcia) and Madame Thenardier (Megan Humphries) - provide the comedy element of the show and are audience favourites. McCluckey-Garcia’s characterisation of this role is the best I have seen, with a tongue that refuses to stay in his mouth. As funny as he is, the menace he creates in “Dog Eats Dog” is alarming. Humphries brilliantly partners McCluskey-Garcia and is every inch his equal, particularly in the Wedding scene. Her cutlery exploits are hysterical!

The younger actors - Harrison Thomas (Gavroche), Eloise Harrington (Young Cosette) and Phoebe Clark (Young Eponine) - more than hold their own with the other performers and provide some of the captivating moments of the production.

The ensemble are the backbone of musicals and are the ‘engine’ of Les Misérables. Changing characters at the drop of a hat and making each character believable is no easy feat, however this ensemble managed it with ease with superb vocals.

There were a few minor technical ‘moments on the first night and extraneous puffs of smoke but these were very minor and did not in any way diminish the enjoyment of the show.

Northern Light Theatre Company’s Les Misérables is a memorable production that will live in your memory long after the curtain goes down!

Barry Hill