Melton Theatre review: Les Misérables (School Edition)

Director Jak Beasley, hot on the heels of his triumphs with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (TMMTC) and Phantom of the Opera (Sky Theatre) once again rose to the challenge, leading this colossal production to soaring success.

With the invaluable support of assistant director, Hannah Castledine (usually seen dazzling on stage), the dynamic duo guided the youth cast through one of musical theatre’s most iconic and demanding productions.

Producer Suzanne Forrester, was also instrumental in bringing this spectacular show to life.

Her dedication and behind-the-scenes work ensured everything ran seamlessly, giving the young cast the perfect platform to shine.

The harmonies, crafted under the masterful hand of Musical Director Gareth Wynne, are nothing short of sensational.

At the End of the Day hit with such precision that it would rival a West End show, sending shivers down spines.

Wynne’s inhumane ability to direct such a challenging musical, and weave these young voices together into stunning, goosebump-inducing harmonies, left the audience in awe.

His live band added that essential theatre magic, providing a rich, immersive sound that elevated every moment.

Euan, in the role of Javert, delivered a performance that was out of this world.

His rendition of Stars was a true showstopper, commanding the stage with a voice and presence that belied his age.

The Thénardier duo, played by Giles and Holly, were an absolute comedic highlight.

Young Cosettes, Poppy and Mabel, shone with their enchanting performances of Castle on a Cloud.

Their sweet, angelic voices brought a poignant innocence to the darker undertones of the show, with acting that was as heartfelt as their singing.

Albert as Gavroche was another standout - his cheeky confidence and infectious energy made him impossible not to love.

Jude, as Valjean, gave a commanding performance, especially during Bring Him Home, where his heartfelt emotions and vocal prowess soared.

Erin, as Éponine, delivered a heart-wrenching portrayal that had the entire audience captivated.

Her performance was both vocally stunning and deeply moving, a true highlight of the evening.

Yasmin’s hauntingly beautiful version of I Dreamed a Dream was another emotional high point, leaving the audience struggling to hold back tears—her voice was raw, evocative, and something to be truly envious of.

Heidi and Dominic, as Cosette and Marius, brought warmth and tenderness to their roles, while Max’s Enjolras rallied the cast with his electrifying top belt notes and commanding presence.

On the technical side, the production team delivered an outstanding performance that heightened the show’s emotional depth.

The combination of perfectly timed pyrotechnics, atmospheric fog, and dynamic lighting added to the intensity of key moments, making the scenes even more impactful.

The trio of Neil Westley, James Pritchard, and Stage Manager Lex Forrester worked seamlessly together to ensure that everything ran smoothly, from the dramatic lighting shifts to the well-timed special effects.

The dedication, passion, and sheer talent of everyone involved left no doubt that we were witnessing future stars in the making.

Tickets are still available for remaining shows tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm, tomorrow at 7.30pm and Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Click HERE to buy tickets.