Previously delayed from March 2020 due to Covid, the renewed School production of Les Miserables was finally able to be performed in the Summer Term of 2021.

Many of those students who had missed out on performing due to the cancellation returned from university and places of work to reprise their roles. These OBs included Ed Oulton (‘13-’21) playing Valjean, Alex Herod (‘04-’20) as Javert, Ben Goodwin (‘13-’20) playing Enjolras, Toby Meisner (‘13-’20) delighting as Thenardier, Esme Brennan (‘13-20) entrancing as Eponine and Jack Hodgson (’06-’20) keeping the gang together playing Foreman, Sailor and Soldier.

In an equally delightful turn of events, Ed Brodbelt (‘11-’18) returned to keep everyone on their toes on the tech desk — a consummate professional.

The run of nine shows saw two entirely different sets of lead cast combinations named the ‘Year 13 Cast’ and ‘Year 14 Cast’ – a complex and exhausting challenge, but one that all the students fully embraced. Indeed the morale and friendship between the cast, including students as young as 11 and as old as 22, was truly remarkable.

Despite the hard work, the tears and the uncertainties, there was no doubt that this was a sacrifice well made as the audience stood as one in a standing ovation at the culmination of each and every performance.