Theatre Group trip to Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre

On an extremely hot day it was really pleasant to sit in the cool Sondheim Theatre to watch a great version of Les Misérables musical with Ian McIntosh as Jean Varjean, Oliver Saville as Javert who played their parts particularly well. The rest of the cast were hugely enthusiastic in their roles, particularly in the Tavern scene; very lively and colourful. All the cast had excellent voices and costumes.

Set in the early 19th century it tells the story of a French convict’s journey to redemption after being released from 19 years prison for stealing a loaf of bread. He is desperate and steals silver from a Bishop who shows him great mercy. Because of this he breaks his parole, changes his name and vows to be honest. He becomes wealthy and adopts an orphan Cosette. Javert the Police inspector pursues Valjean over the decades. Cosette meets a student Marius and falls in love, The plot leads to Paris where they are caught up in the revolutionary events of the time. A group of young people attempting to overthrow the government from a street barricade. During the siege Javert is captured as a spy but Valjean lets him go free. He also rescues an injured Marius and unites him with Cosette. Troubled Javert throws himself into the Seine. Before passing away Valjean confesses his criminal past to Cosette and Marius so not to burden their future. Spirits of her mother and those who died at the barricade come to take Valjean to heaven.

The scenery was very clever and the barricade particularly good. The ending was particularly moving.

There was a standing ovation from everyone at the end.

Contributed by Paula Howard