Les Misérables - 2014

Forget the X Factor and similar shows – Brum’s got real talent, and this show proves it, big time. The reaction of the first night audience, frequent bursts of applause, cheering and a standing ovation at the end, acknowledged the quality on stage.

In a super show which cost 15,000 pounds to stage, the 29-strong cast, aged between 9 and 19, revelled in the story of French peasant Jean Valjean’s quest for redemption after 19 years on a chain gang for stealing a loaf of bread.

Student Daniel Carpenter gives a powerful performance as Valjean who rises to become the wealthy Mayor of a town but is relentlessly pursued by the single-minded police inspector Javert, impressively played by Dylan Hartnell. Carpenter’s singing of Bring Him Home and Hartnell’s delivery of Javert’s suicide lyrics are memorable, while Matt Brook (Marius), Laura Nicholson (Fantine), Jessie Miah (Cosette), Sarah Fullwood (Eponine), Nicholas Eynon-Colon (Gavroche) and Tom Ashen (Enjolras) all make a huge impact.

Delightful comedy, too, from Sam Hughes and Jess Walton, the crooked inn keeper Thenardier and his wife.

Excellent chorus work, costumes and scenery add to a stunning show cleverly directed by Deborah Brook, with Suzy Bleasdale’s choreography and Andy Johnson’s musical direction.To Saturday night May 10.

VERDICT: *****

PAUL MARSTON