Les Miserables School Edition as performed by NEWRY YOUTH PERFORMING ARTS

NEWRY YOUTH PERFORMING ARTS

LES MISÉRABLES SCHOOL EDITION, 

ARMAGH MARKET PLACE THEATRE, 9TH – 13TH APRIL 2024

ADJUDICATION PERFORMANCE 13TH APRIL. 

The longest journey of my year took me from Limerick to Armagh. A trip of 343 km in one morning after a flat battery delayed things even further as I was leaving Limerick, before my four hour drive for the afternoon performance of Les Misérables, School Edition with Newry Youth Performing Arts. Things could only get better. The sun was splitting the stones when I arrived in the beautiful Armagh, casting a unique light on the cobble-locked square where the most beautiful vision of glass and light stood that was The Market Place Theatre. Despite the tiredness, the whole experience of the day so far immediately lifted when I was welcomed by the Front of House crew and the Director, Mr Jordan Walsh, and everything with the sunshine, the warmth, the friendliness, and the copious lovely cokes and sugary delights I was rapidly back to my old self in no time! 

The Director as mentioned was Jordan Walsh. His vision for the production was crystal clear, and he had obviously worked hard to ensure every detail was spot on. From the casting to the staging, his direction was top-notch, bringing out the talented cast's best. When speaking with Mr Walsh, he was very passionate about the show, which absolutely showed in every scene. It was a pleasure to see him in action! The direction was simple yet precise, and there was great attention to detail in the cast, the direction of their characters, and the show overall. 

Matthew Milford, the Musical Director, was a rockstar in creating the musical magic that made this production an unforgettable experience. The music was the backbone of the show, and Mr Milford’s expertise and dedication ensured the score was executed perfectly. Also as a musical director, the cast's singing was brilliant, and the orchestra was super. Magnificent numbers, “ Do You Hear The People Sing”, “The Barricade”, “One Day More” were spine-tingling with the most beautiful sounding Orchestra with Mr Milford at the helm, It was a privilege to see this talented gentleman work his magic!

The Choreographer was Paul Burns. He was absolutely fantastic in creating the mesmerizing dance sequences in this production. His choreography was innovative and creative and brought the story to life in an amazing way. The dancers were spot on, and it was obvious that Mr Burns had put his heart and soul into making every movement right. The dance numbers were dynamic, energetic, and emotive. It was a joy to watch the talented cast bring it to life on stage. 

The Stage Manager was Andrew McKnight. The sets were impressive. The beautiful and intricate set designs stunned me when I entered the theatre. The attention to detail was impeccable, and the creativity in the set pieces was genuinely remarkable. The movable sets were executed flawlessly, and the transitions between scenes were smooth and seamless. The set design truly set the tone for the production and brought the story to life- visually stunningly. Congratulations to the set design team on their hard work, vision, and dedication in creating such a wonderful and memorable experience for us your audience and indeed your cast. 

The sound design was excellent. The sound team did a fantastic job ensuring the cast's voices were clear and audible, even during the most dynamic and complex musical numbers. The balance between the orchestra and the vocals was spot on, and the sound quality was consistent throughout the performance. The sound effects were also well-executed. 

The use of lighting to set the mood and tone of the production was masterful, and the lighting team should be commended for their creativity and attention to detail. The lighting effects were perfectly timed and synchronized with the music and choreography, creating a truly immersive experience for the audience. The use of colour and shadows was also impressive, and also the magnificent consistent use of spots beaming down on high were spectacular adding depth and dimension to the set design. The lighting design was undoubtedly one of the production's highlights, and the team responsible for it should be proud of their exceptional work.

The costumes were excellent. The attention to detail in each costume shone and was very authentic. The costume team did an outstanding job of creating a cohesive and authentic look for the production, and their efforts truly paid off in the final product. The costumes were a crucial element in transporting the audience to 19th-century France and adding to the overall visual spectacle of the show. The costume team should be commended for their hard work and dedication in creating an impressive array of costumes.

The makeup team did a wonderful job of bringing out the best in each actor's features and creating a cohesive look for the cast. Using prosthetics and special effects makeup was also impressive, adding an extra layer of depth to the characters. The hair team did a fantastic job creating authentic and period-appropriate hairstyles for the cast, and their attention to detail was evident in every scene

Each prop was carefully chosen and executed, adding an extra element of authenticity to the performance. The use of period-appropriate props helped to transport the audience to 19th-century France and added to the overall visual spectacle of the show. Well done team props I commend them for their hard work and dedication in creating such a wide range of props in great detail, which added to the show's production value. Overall, the costumes, hair and makeup, and props were all exceptional elements of this production. 

Daragh Burns played the part of Jean Valjean. Daragh Burns performed this part well. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, it was clear that he was the perfect fit for the role. His vocals were simply stunning, with an admirable range and power. His rendition of “Bring Him Home” would bring a tear to a glass eye, as was the emotionally filled scene where he was dying broke my heart. Mr Burns felt this role and was passionate about it. He brought a sense of gravitas to the role and looked the part, commanding the stage with his presence and delivering a very emotional and moving performance.

Michael Sloan played the part of Javert. Mr Sloane gave a strong and confident performance, and his vocal rendition of "Stars" was breath-taking. He brought the house down with his powerful voice, a production highlight. I have to mention that there were some slight issues with diction in a few places, making it difficult to hear certain lines. Mr. Sloan's performance overall as Javert was impressive. His singing was superb, and he looked great in this role with a lovely, commanding stage presence. 

Tess McElheron played the part of Fantine. Ms McElherrons portrayal in the production was heartfelt. This young lady created a character that was so vulnerable I could feel every moment of her struggles. This, in turn, is reflected in her beautiful singing, which conveys the character's pain and sadness. As I watched her sing "I Dreamed a Dream," I could feel her voice's raw emotion and pain and empathize with her struggles. It gave me goosebumps, and it was so lovely. Ms McElheron, you were superb in this role. Well done. 

Oliver Larkin played the part of Marius. Mr Larkin's performance in the barricade scene was particularly moving, as he fought for his beliefs with his friends. However, Mr Larkin's final scene with Jean Valjean and Cosette truly stole the show. The emotion that Mr Larkin conveyed in this scene was raw and powerful as he said goodbye to Jean Val Jean, and the feeling in this heart-breaking scene was palpable. Mr Larkin's performance was excellent. 

Robyn Cunningham played the part of Eponine and was a beautiful display of excellent acting and vocal talent. Her performance was so emotional, capturing her character beautifully. She played with lovely poise and precision. Ms. Cunningham's rendition of "On My Own" was a standout moment of this production. Her beautiful vocals and captivating stage presence drew the audience into the story. 

Emily Morgan played the part of Cosette. I must say that this was one of the standout performances by this talented actress. A crystal clear stunning vocal range, combined with her gorgeous stage presence, made for a truly unforgettable performance. She portrayed the character with a sense of innocence and purity that was beautiful to watch, and her singing was breath-taking. Overall, her performance was a testament to the power of talent, beauty, and grace, and I hope to see more of her in the future.

Mikel Farrugia played the part of Thenardier. One of the standout scenes for the actor was "Master of the House," where he led a rousing musical number with his wife. His portrayal of Thenardier greed and dishonesty was mastered with perfection, and the audience was fully engaged in his performance. Additionally, his chemistry with the actress who played Madame Thenardier was palpable. The two made a formidable team bringing lightness and darkness to the role, and his energy and commitment to the character were admirable. 

Sophie Morgan played the part of Madame The Thenardier. I couldn't help but feel that a little more facial expression could have added greater depth to her character. I understand that nerves can sometimes hold back performers, and I empathize with the fact that this may have been the case for Ms Morgan. Despite this, I want to acknowledge that she brought a lot of energy and talent to her performance, especially in the song "Master of The House." Her singing and acting were very good overall, and she blended well with the ensemble in the group numbers. 

The Chorus Master was Matthew Milford. The cast's voices blended beautifully, and their ability to convey the emotion and meaning behind each song was second to none. One of the standout moments for me was the powerful "One Day More," which was a proper tour de force of choral singing. The cast's voices soared in perfect harmony, creating a spine-tingling moment that left me with goosebumps. I also have to mention "Master of the House," which was a real crowd-pleaser and had me tapping my feet along with the infectious rhythm.

Overall, I have to say that the chorus exceeded all of my expectations as an adjudicator. The cast's talent, energy, and enthusiasm were genuinely infectious, and their ability to convey the emotion and meaning behind each song was truly remarkable. 

You have a magnificent, jaw-droppingly beautiful Theatre and an excellent team on stage and behind the scenes at every corner you turn. I believe you could put your hand to anything and achieve your dream. Congratulations on a beautiful afternoon in your company, and I sincerely hope you had every success with the rest of your run as you deserved. Congratulations. 

Caroline Daly Jones

Adjudicator Sullivan 2023 / 2024