Les Misérables is West End quality
Douglas Choral Union's production of Les Misérables has been a fantastic success and extra seats have been put on sale to try to meet demand.
John Gregory caught up with one of the lead actors, Matt James, and DCU publicity officer Alex Toohey, to get their reaction.
>>Read Angela Gregory's review of the show here
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ISLE of Man Newspapers website www.iomtoday.co.im has been inundated with readers raving about Les Misrables which has been thrilling audiences at the Gaiety Theatre.
Douglas Choral Union is the only amateur society in the British Isles that has been allowed to stage it.
Reader MG, writing on iomtoday, said: 'Thought this production was amazing. Truly well done to everyone involved. I doubt you could see a better show on any stage anywhere! I saw this show in London in September and the DCU's production was easily as good with several of the cast equally as good if not better than their West End counterparts.'
Fellow reader Maxwell stated: 'Went to see the show last night, absolutely brilliant, enjoyed every minute of it, after having seen the show in London, this production was every bit as good.'
A reader who wished to remain anonymous said: 'As a veteran of many West End shows in recent years I have to say that Douglas Choral Union's production is nothing short of sensational. I would advise anyone who hasn't booked to see it to do so as soon as possible. Bravo.'
Another stated they hadn't realised it was an 'amateur' production and heaps of praise have been lavished on David Artus for his stunning portrayal of Jean Valjean.
Time is running out for people to see the Jeremy Tustin-directed production as the final show is on Saturday.
For the final four performances the gallery had to be opened due to its popularity – the first time this has ever been done for a local production.
Alex and Matt were quick to thank everyone who has been involved in the production, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Matt, who plays Inspector Javert, said: 'In the time I have been in the profession I have never done a production where we have had standing ovations in every performance. It has been absolutely phenomenal. That is down to the ensemble, front of house, crew, lighting, staging, direction, bands, everything.
'It's a combined organisation. This couldn't happen for us as performers on stage without what we have in the background.
'It's been phenomenally done by Douglas Choral Union, it was a huge gamble. The risk they have taken has completely succeeded for them and well done to them.'
Alex said: 'It was a massive gamble, but it was a gamble the Island deserves, the talent here across all societies is so great we had to stage it and show how talented the Isle of Man is. It is just a fantastic feeling walking down every night and seeing a standing ovation.
'We are just so grateful for the support we have had from make-up, crew, wigs, wardrobe, Gaiety staff and the public, it's been a very humbling experience.'
He added: 'We have had a lot of new faces this year from all societies in the Island. The auditions were open to everyone. The best of the best came along and what you see is the best the Island has to offer.'
Matt added: 'It made it refreshing, the rehearsal period has been an absolute pleasure. It's just been brilliant.'
Some people have been to see the show twice or more and it is a production that won't be forgotten – by those who have put so much hard work into it and the audience who, at the time of writing, have given a standing ovation every single night.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 5 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
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