Les Miserables
Douglas Choral Union

Producer Choreographer – Jeremy Tustin
Musical Director – Andrew Hilton

Douglas Choral Union was overjoyed to have been given exclusive permission from Cameron Mackintosh to perform ‘Les Mis’ in its entirety as the U.K. amateur premiere. I went with more than a little trepidation as I have never really been a fan of Les Mis - however, I think it is safe to say that I have been converted.

What a triumph - the show was superb in every way, how glad I am that I decided not to put names in the reviews, as it would be impossible to single any one person out.  The whole cast was simply superb - the costumes were excellent, and for the most part suitably dirty.  The ageing process and dirty faces were  wonderfully effective, created by a talented make-up crew and the moving on and off of props/scenery were quick and efficient by a dedicated and talented stage crew.

The show is a little loud, but then whoever heard of a quiet battle?  The sound balance for the principals was spot on and the duets and trios, in fact all the singing was well balanced throughout, enhanced by a wonderful orchestra. I was also particularly impressed by the dead bodies and, as those of you who have seen it will know, there are quite a lot of them - but all who died stayed wonderfully still and were carried off - with great dignity.

The society is undertaking a punishing run, running for almost two full weeks, and it is playing to near capacity audiences.  The night I was there the company received a well-deserved standing ovation.  Well done to everyone connected with this simply magical show - it really was theatre at its best, and would not have disgraced the West End stage - Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of it.