Champagne Premiere Performance of Les Misérables School Edition

On 29th July, The Priory Ruskin Academy opened their doors for the spectacular Champagne Premiere Performance of Les Misérables school edition, in association with MJH Productions.   It was most surely a night to remember for both the audience and all of the students involved;   a performance that the West End would have been proud of.     The performance was produced and directed by Matthew Hewitt, Co-directed by Jade Goswell and the Musical Director was Lee Harvey.    They all did an amazing job and were highly praised by everyone who watched it.

The magical night started with a very warm welcome from the hard working Front of House crew as they provided  Champagne and soft drinks for everyone.      As the audience entered the Academy Theatre, the intense atmosphere hit them with the imposing dark blue lighting and swirling smoke that was blowing around the stage; as a result, the room was buzzing with excitement and anticipation.  Once the orchestral music started, there was no turning back.  The performance was outstanding from the opening song.   The cast and crew did themselves proud with an extremely emotional and professional performance. These talented young actors not only brought the show to life but took the audience on the enchanting journey of Les Miserables.

INTERESTING FACT:     Jean Val Jean (played by Sam Gainey) was on the stage for approximately 5 minutes when he suddenly broke his nose.    As part of the musical,   somebody punched him and he caught it right on the bridge of his nose.   Unfortunately, the punch didn`t go to plan and he broke his nose.      He fell to the floor and then quickly recovered…….. he didn`t even miss one single note.    Nobody ever knew that he had actually broken his nose.   It was only the next day when you could see his two black eyes and very bruised nose!    A true professional!

The whole cast and stage crew rose to the occasion with great commitment, passion and determination; All fiercely capable in their roles and each solo sung with confidence, full of character, energy and technical brilliance.   This was an excellent company achievement under the exceptional direction of Matthew Hewitt.     The technical achievement of the production team was exemplar with the astounding, atmospheric lighting design, staging and well crafted costumes.  
 
The cast went on to perform four more shows from 29th July – 1st August 2015, each as slick and energetic as the first.   This was an exceptional achievement by all staff and students involved.       A true reflection of how outstanding teachers such as Matthew Hewitt and Lee Harvey are prepared to give so much to offer opportunities to those in their Company.    If school days are about creating memories, they will not get much better than these.

This production was commissioned by Mr Shepherd, Headmaster at The Priory Ruskin Academy to showcase the incredible talent in Lincolnshire and also highlight what The Priory Ruskin Academy is now achieving in the Performing Arts sector.    The student cast (12 – 19 years old) was from a number of local schools and colleges including The Priory Ruskin Academy, The Priory Academy LSST, The King’s School, Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School, Walton Girls’ High School, Lincoln College, The Newark Academy, Grantham College, Kesteven and Sleaford High School and Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School.  

On behalf of The Priory Ruskin Academy, we would like to congratulate and thank everyone involved in the Les Miserables 2015 production.    We are already looking forward to next year`s Summer show, whatever it may be!