The Review: Les Miserables

A young and relatively inexperienced cast tackling that leviathan of the West End stage, Les Miserables, could have gone horribly wrong.

It is an extremely popular musical, packed with extremes of emotion and political overtones, but the Rattonians Youth Group rose to the challenge and pulled it off with admirable aplomb.

From the first note to the well-deserved standing ovation when the curtain fell, the cast managed to maintain very high standards of performance, concentration and enthusiasm throughout.

There was none of the nervy self-consciousness that might be expected from a young group singing such a well-known musical on the opening night.

But the youngsters didn't just do well 'for their age', they did well full stop and kept the audience gripped throughout the production.

There were a pair of incredibly mature and impressive performances – both vocally and dramatically – from Alex Adams as Jean Valjean, the thief seeking redemption, and Catherine Anderson as the tragic Fantine.

They were backed up by excellent support from Jonny Fitzpatrick as the vengeful Javert, Lily Potter as the young Cosette, Samantha King as the grown-up Cosette, Laura Sivers as the lovelorn Eponine, Aaron Nice as Marius, Zac Adlam as Gavroche and Damon Willer as Enjolras.

Particular standouts, and providing a cracking comic turn in the number Master of the House, were Edward Layer and Megan Mason as M and Mme Thenardier.

Congratulations must go to director Peter Gurr (and his team of assistant directors, choreographer, musical director and vocal coach) who has delivered an excellent evening's entertainment and made full use of the young talent Eastbourne has to offer.

Les Miserables is on at the Devonshire Park Theatre until Saturday night, with evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Call 01323 412000 for tickets.