The entire two-hour show is a complex drama delivered in song. But its success lies in the understanding and interpretation of the roles, the performers bringing the complex whole to life with their acting, energy and pace.
For me the singing highlights were Eponine (Jess Burke) singing On My Own -she commanded the stage with a strong confident presence and singing voice and we sensed the grit of this love-crossed girl. Another poignant moment was A Heart Full of Love, the voices of Marius (Jason Tufuga), Cosette (Cathy Pearson) and Eponine beautifully harmonious. The softly melancholic young victim Fantine (Marla Beisell) sings the memorable I Dreamed a Dream as she despairs her fate and her tragedy unfolding.
Another special mention is John Black in his role as the stern, unrelenting policeman whose inflexible views about career criminality plague Valjean at many climactic moments in the play.
The night on the barricades was a memorable episode combining dramatic action, the superb barricade props strong enough to be clambered over by the revolutionary students and allowing the dying a safe collapse. In this scene Gavroche (Jack Barclay) the street urchin is shot, but until then the young actor playing his role did so with wonderful cocky humour.
This is a drama from beginning to end, with comedic relief provided by the delightfully villainous Monsieur and Madame Thenardier played by Luke Merwood and Isobelle Walker. They had their timing right, capturing their mischief hilariously.
However, all the performances were great and everyone deserves recognition, congratulations to all the cast and a great 'well done' to everyone involved.
