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Standing ovation well deserved for Les Miserables cast
REVIEW: Les Misérables, Douglas Choral Union. VENUE: Gaiety Theatre, DATE February 4
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AFTER investing so much time, effort and money in their production of Les Misrables, it must have filled Douglas Choral Union with pride to see a standing ovation on the opening two nights of the show - it was wholly deserved.
There are not many shows I've seen at the Gaiety Theatre that have given me goosebumps but this was one.
In my opinion, you wouldn't see a better, more professional, show anywhere in the British Isles outside of London's West End.
DCU members were understandably thrilled when they heard they would be the first amateur musical theatre group to be granted the rights to stage the record-breaking show in the British Isles.
The Boublil and Schnberg musical has been mesmerising audiences in London for an unprecedented 23 years, having been composed in 1980, based on the novel by Victor Hugo.
This amateur version – and I use the term amateur loosely in this instance – has been directed by Jeremy Tustin, who also directed Thoroughly Modern Millie and Annie for the DCU, with musical direction from Andrew Hilton, who is the assistant MD on Spamalot at the Palace Theatre in London's West End.
With a cast of more than 50 and a purpose-built set, comprising a revolving stage as well as a fully operational barricade, it was a hugely ambitious endeavour.
But it has all paid off.
Telling the tale of the French Revolution through the eyes of some engaging characters, Les Misrables is an epic show which takes the audience on an emotional journey.
At the centre of the tale is Jean Valjean (David Artus), a freed convict who tries to turn his life around in the face of constant pursuit by one of his jailers, the complicated Inspector Javert (Matt James).
Both were excellent in their roles but the brilliantly cast Artus was the heart of the production, with a stunning voice and a huge stage presence.
His soulful performance of Bring Him Home in the second act was outstanding.
Artus was not alone in his excellence, however, with many others deserving special mentions. For example, John Short and Olivia Black owned the stage as M and Mme Thnardier, creating colourful, grotesque and humorous characters without straying into panto villain-land.
Master of the House, starring the Thnardiers and their seedy pub customers, was one of the treats of a production which provided many feasts for the eyes.
The staging was immaculate, as was the lighting. And when the barricade finally arrived on the revolving stage it really was an impressive moment.
There were so many good performances it is difficult to list all, but Fantine (Trish Fargher), Eponine (Victoria Corkhill), Cosette (Kathryn Briggs), Marius (Timothy Riley) and Enjolras (Nick Cain) all obviously deserve huge credit.
Also deserving of a mention was plucky little Gavroche, who shows just what little people can do. He was played on Thursday night with much charisma by Domenico Galante of the children's White Team, all the members of which were very good.
Highlights of the production were I Dreamed a Dream, Look Down, On My Own, A Little Fall of Rain and Javert's Soliloquy.
But one of the attractions of Les Misrables is definitely its ensemble pieces and, for me, that's where the goosebumps moments came. One Day More, sung by the company at the end of the first act, and the Finale, were truly uplifting moments.
If you haven't yet booked your tickets for Les Mis, get them booked now, or you'll most definitely regret it!
The musical runs until February 14 at the Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, with a matinee on Sunday.
Tickets are available by ringing the ticket hotline on 694555.
HAVE YOU SEEN THE SHOW?
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YOUR COMMENTS
I have just returned from tonight's (Thursday) performance of "Les Mis" and 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.
ANON
Wow. Have seen the show twice in the west end and we are so impressed by what we have seen tonight and the talent we have on the Isle of Man. Congratulations to the D.C.U and all involved. David Artus and John Short could hold their own in the west end and the future looks bright with the talent displayed by the children involved.
ANON
I was at the opening night on Tuesday and the whole performance was amazing and until there hadn't realised it was a local "amature" production. Special mention to David Artus who played 24601- Jean Valjean who performed his story amazingly well, as well as any lead in the west end I have seen. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for anymore DCU performances and would thourghly recommend people to go and see the show! Well done to all involved especially the band whom often get forgetton but played amazing all the way through, good luck with the rest of the dates.
EW
A truly amazing performance. I was both surprised and extremely proud of the Island's musical talent that is showcased in this fantastic production. A huge well done and thank you to everyone involved!!
GEMMA
I have to say how great the show was. I was there on the 1st night and thought what a wonderful production the show is. Well done to all. It is so nice to see people from all societies coming to together to make a fantastic show. I think the DCU should be proud of what they have done. I have to say I agree that David Artus from the Manx Operatic Society was truly great in his role and made the show what it is. I think it great that we have so many good societies on the Island that can produce West End standard shows and will definatly be going to see any more that are on this year. CC
My husband and I went to see Thursdays performance. I am an avid theatre follower but my other half took a bit of persuading! However, I can say that he has been completely converted by this wonderful production by the DCU! David Artus was outstanding as Val Jean but special mentions should also go to Victoria Corkill's stunning portrayal of Eponine and Olivia o who had the audience in stitches with her wonderful comic performance of Madame Thernadier. These three talented actors would not look out of place on a West End stage! I would urge anyone who has not seen the show to go as this expeerience is truely a once in a lifetime!
JOAN QUAYLE
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, The only criticism I would have was the excessive use of the smoke or mist machine at times it was difficult to see the actors, but that apart it was a brilliant show
MAXWELL
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. I do agree with Maxwell though - the use of smoke was somewhat excessive !
MG
I went to see the show last night and I have to say it was absolutely fantastic all the cast were amazing but especially David Artus and Matt James
HELEN
My wife and I went to see the show last night and I have got to say the production was unlike anything we have ever seen before at the Gaiety, what a performance from all the cast and crew involved, excellent! I thought it was cold inside, but it was simply goosebumps from start to finish! We saw this show in New York 2 years ago and the DCU's production was superior in every aspect from the lead roles all the way back to supporting cast. Well done to everybody involved and thank you again for a fantastic show, as locals we were so proud and another standing ovation duly deserved! I sang and my wife cried all the way home, great show…
G and S CLAGUE
Unbelievable !!!! I would have paid double to see that show. Having seen it in Manchester, Liverpool and London, this performance was equally as good if not better. Well done to all involved you deserve all the credit and praise heaped upon you.
GLENN
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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