As we count down to the opening night of Oakham School’s production of Les Misérables, members of the 40-strong cast share their thoughts on the journey to showtime.
Maxim – Enjolras
The key to acting is that you enjoy yourself.
Who is Enjolras?
Enjolras is a brave, bold, daring young man who paints a very powerful image in this war-torn, poor state of France. He’s the leader of the student revolutionaries and the one in charge of organising the revolution to fight against Inspector Javert and his ruthless armies. Despite Enjolras not being as well known as characters such as Valjean or Marius, he is important because of his role as a leader and his determination to pursue justice for France and to find some form of help for those who are suffering.
I have got more and more into his character, and I’ve learned how to use my voice and my particular stance to show his powerful, daring and bold nature. I love singing as well, and I think Enjolras sings some good parts. So I’m quite grateful to be playing this Enjolras, and I wish to make the most out of this character.
What does Les Misérables mean to you?
I’ve been in many productions before Les Mis, and I enjoyed every single one of them. However, Les Mis is one of those unique musicals that stands out from all the others, and will remain famous for many years to come. I feel grateful that I’m playing a role in such a big musical, especially because it’s my final year at Oakham. By the end of the final night, it will be lodged in my head for a long time. I want to make this production particularly memorable to me; I will never forget being Enjolras!
What can the audience expect?
For one thing, the audience should definitely expect to hear a lot of singing! I think the audience should also expect to go on a journey through this story with the characters, and to feel what these characters are feeling. Les Mis is absolutely nothing like your typical musical. It’s one of those unique stories that will remain etched in the world of drama forever.
The journey from audition to showtime
On audition day, you’re aiming to show the director your potential as an actor and how you can bring this potential to the stage. If you’re lucky enough to pass the audition, you get invited for a call back, where you meet up with the other successful auditionees and perform certain parts from the play together, showing how you work as an ensemble. After this, it is a very tense period before the cast list is released. If you got in, congratulations! Make the most of your role! However, if you don’t get in, don’t be too disheartened. There are plenty of other acting opportunities just around the corner.
I’d also like to give a few words of advice, and that is to make sure you are well prepared before you audition. Maybe watch the film version of the play you’re auditioning for if possible. Also, don’t get too nervous before you audition. The key to acting is that you enjoy yourself. So enjoy the audition and show the director what you’re made of!
Lily – Éponine
Some of the songs are guaranteed to become stuck in the audience members’ heads for days!
Who is Éponine?
I would describe Éponine as vulnerable, loving, and selfless, living on the rough streets of Paris. Although she appears to be misjudged and overlooked throughout the entirety of the play, she is deeply desperate for love and affection, and she is willing to give up everything to please the people around her.
I am really enjoying playing Éponine, because I get the opportunity to sing one of the most well-known songs of Les Misérables, On My Own, and I love that I’m able to make it my own. Also, I am finding it interesting to follow Éponine’s storyline and working on building up her damaged, yet powerful character through our rehearsals.
What does Les Misérables mean to you?
It means a lot to be a part of Les Misérables. It is such a huge opportunity and massive challenge to take on. Now that the play is really starting to take shape, it feels like a massive achievement by the cast and crew and it has been a huge pleasure be a part of.
What can the audience expect?
Audience members can expect to be thoroughly moved by the emotional chain of events that Les Misérables has to offer. On top of this, some of the songs are guaranteed to become stuck in the audience members’ heads for days!
The journey from audition to showtime
The journey from auditions to now, almost being at our dress rehearsals, has been huge! The audition process itself was enjoyable as I was able to try to sing the roles of multiple different characters. The first few weeks of rehearsals were really fun as we began to learn the different songs and harmonies, and the cast became much closer during this initial rehearsal process. But I have to say these final few weeks have been the best part of my Les Mis experience, as seeing all the technical aspects come into play has been incredible to watch and we are now all so excited to start performing!
Adam – Inspector Javert
Les Mis has always been one of my favourite musicals and pieces of theatre. It means so much to me to be part of this production.
Who is Javert?
My character, Javert, is a highly religious, authoritarian figure, set on carrying out the law by the letter and following the word of God. He has a particular disdain towards criminals and believes in the principle that a person is unable to change and will always remain the same.
I enjoy playing Javert because his fierce emotion towards the pursuit of Jean Valjean creates intense scenes. Portraying those emotions as the script connotes is a challenge.
What does Les Misérables mean to you?
Les Mis has always been one of my favourite musicals and pieces of theatre. It means so much to me to be part of this production. Its legendary status within the world of theatre makes participating in this production an even more thrilling experience.
What can the audience expect?
On the night of the performance the audience can expect outstanding solo performances from characters such as Éponine, Jean Valjean and Marius. Also, they can expect to be in fits of laughter at the performances of Madame and Monsieur Thénardier. Furthermore, there will be amazing ensemble numbers and all round phenomenal performances from the whole cast.
The journey from audition to showtime
The auditions are always nerve-wracking. However, when the rehearsals begin the excitement starts and it is thrilling to take part. Everything starts to accelerate when the set is completed and the lighting gets sorted. Then for the next three weeks the adrenaline begins to kick in, and doesn’t stop even after the performance.
Annie-May – Fantine
The feeling of performing on stage, showcasing the thing you have worked so hard on, is exhilarating.
Who is Fantine?
Fantine is a poor, desperate mother, whose husband left her not long after the birth of her daughter, Cosette. She now does everything within her power to provide for Cosette who lives with an evil innkeeper man and his wife who only took Cosette in for extra money. Fantine sacrifices her life for her daughter to be able to live with a better life by placing her in the care of the mayor of the town, Jean Valjean. In her struggles, Fantine is shown to be strong-minded and feisty behind her desperation, with a set aim of helping her daughter at all costs.
I enjoy playing Fantine because the love she has for her daughter is so strong and shines through in everything that she does. I have drawn upon my own experiences with my own mum as well as my grandma with their love and willingness to sacrifice anything for me in the subtleties of my acting. Also, I love the way she retaliates to the hatred she gets from the other workers and when a man tries to buy her as a prostitute. Considering the time the play was set, she is a strong independent woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself as long as it will help the person she loves most.
What does Les Misérables mean to you?
There is no real way to put into words how much any show means to me, and how the relationships you form stay with you forever. That said, being part of this show as one of the oldest members of the cast is like being the mother in a family – in a sense like Fantine. The atmosphere the theatre creates, although stressful at times, is incredible. Everyone supports each other and being able to watch the younger members of the cast grow in their ability is unmatched.
What can the audience expect?
The audience can expect to see a huge array talent throughout the cast, from the younger Form 3 pupils all the way up to our more experienced leads. Everyone in the cast adds something to the show, and that is so evident in our performance. We hope it will be a show to remember and our hard work will have paid off for the audience to see.
The journey from audition to showtime
Auditions are always terrifying, no matter how well you know the director. But the worst part is the time between auditioning and the cast list being announced. The sheer release of emotion when you finally see your name next to a character on the cast list is overwhelming.
Rehearsals are intense six days a week on top of school… or so they would seem to an outsider. While we are working hard and getting exhausted in the process, because we do it together as a family, they don’t seem like a chore – ever. There are so many laughs and so many hugs when things get tough.
But the feeling of performing on stage, showcasing the thing you have worked so hard on, is exhilarating. No feeling is quite like that of a curtain call at the end of a good night. Not only this, but we have our pre-show rituals (top secret… couldn’t possibly disclose)!
Charlie – Gavroche
I am ecstatic that I am part of such a brilliant company.
Who is Gavroche?
I am playing Gavroche, an orphaned street urchin who joins the revolutionaries in their battle for freedom in France. He is mischievous and cunning but playful – and a really exciting part to sing! I feel like I can understand his innocence among quite a grave time in France, which definitely helps my acting. He also has an accent which provides something to base his voice on.
What does Les Misérables mean to you?
I love the show, and I am ecstatic that I am part of such a brilliant company. While you have to give full commitment, it is definitely paying off. I am so excited to see the end product!
What can the audience expect?
The audience can expect a fantastic show full of great performances. It’s a great way of showcasing drama at Oakham School!
The journey from audition to showtime
You have to be aware of the commitment and the time you have to give up right from the start. After many rounds of auditions and getting to know your fellow actors, you start rehearsing and learning blocking. You go through costumes, sound, tech and finally a full run through. Then we have a fantastic five shows to perform!
Faith – Cosette
To be a part of Les Mis is to constantly have the soundtrack stuck in your head. Which is a joy, because each number is so unbelievably good.
Who is Cosette?
Cosette is the adopted daughter of the redemptive main character, John Valjean. After the death of her mother, Fantine, she has been under his wing and kept shadowed from society and her true past.
I really enjoy playing Cosette because of her struggles with identity. Her past has been hidden from her since childhood, so I imagine she’s constantly carrying this burden of questions every second whilst on stage. She also serves this relatable image of a girl falling in love for the first time, which is so fun and playful to re-enact. It’s sudden, it’s ecstatic and she has to make the choice to fight for it and change her own life.
What does Les Misérables mean to you?
To be a part of Les Mis is to constantly have the soundtrack stuck in your head. Which is a joy, because each number is so unbelievably good. It’s genuinely a really exciting experience for a musical lover like me to see this amazingly influential musical come to life on our stage. I am so grateful just to be a part of it. I’m so proud of the productions that I have been lucky to be involved in, and I can’t wait for audiences to watch the certain-to–be spectacular Les Mis.
What can the audience expect?
Be prepared for the highly immersive lighting and set, brilliant acting from students of all ages and, finally, the powerful and heart-wrenching singing of all the famous Les Mis songs that you adore.
The journey from audition to showtime
I’ll admit, the auditions are nerve-wracking, but just having the courage to sing in front of Mr Stockwell and Mrs Norell will reward you. From the first rehearsal, you will be welcomed and supported by members of the cast from all Forms. It’s a very active and freeing environment for you to be creative with people that will all become your ‘show family’. Even on long days when school has been stressful, just singing with the cast will lift your spirits. I’m sure many will agree that being a part of a production is a lot of hard work and extra time, but it’s all worth it when you try your costume on for the first time and experience that fresh excitement all over again. In the week up to the performance you will power through dress-rehearsals, with tech and mics and music and really experience the product of all those rehearsals.
have a fantastic five shows to perform!
Will – Marius
The audience can expect a rollercoaster of emotions, from sympathy to excitement, pity and grief, and ultimately joy.
Who is Marius?
Marius is a young student in revolutionary Paris, when he becomes smitten with Cosette. He is greatly conflicted between love and his duty to his revolutionary companions and his beliefs. He is compassionate and empathetic, yet is oblivious to Éponine’s unreciprocated love for him. Once he decides upon participating in the revolution, his passion for brotherhood and freedom becomes ever clearer, and his fervent enthusiasm for revolution inspires his comrades.
Playing Marius is a real privilege. He displays a wide range of emotions, from true love to overwhelming grief and despair, and I am loving the challenge of doing justice to these feelings. Empty Chairs at Empty Tables is a highlight for me, and the opportunity to passionately portray Marius’ grief for his fallen friends is a powerful experience.
What does Les Misérables mean to you?
Les Misérables is of course one of the most famous musicals ever produced, and for good reason. It is a musical which I have longed to be a part of for a long time, and when the opportunity came along to audition, I jumped at the chance. The soundtrack evokes such emotion and passion that you cannot help but be moved, and to be a part of such a beautiful and striking production is something truly special.
What can the audience expect?
The audience can expect a rollercoaster of emotions, from sympathy to excitement, pity and grief, and ultimately joy. The audience will feel an intimacy with the characters throughout the show, and feel emotions as their own. The music lends itself to this, and the emotion that it invokes is something very special. Members of the audience will leave with a feeling of amazement at the work that the cast, crew and staff have put into the show… if we do it right!
The journey from audition to showtime
Auditioning for this production, I had little sense of what I was going into. But once auditions were over and I took part in the first full cast rehearsal, the scale of the production became apparent. The process begins slowly at first, working on large group numbers, and then as it progresses, the nuance within the show becomes more obvious. When scenes are combined for the first run through, it all starts to come together, and you get a sense of the big picture. In the last month, as the production creeps ever nearer and every rehearsal someone says ‘only X days until opening night!’, the show becomes a story, the wider narrative presents itself, and the small moments are seen to have a life of their own.
