Music at Lunchtime – Les Misérables

Just before we stopped for half term we were transported to the barricades of the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris in Les Misérables. This was the latest production from Mrs Bradbury-Rance’s Music Theatre Group and what a triumph, what a way to spend a Friday lunchtime! Anushka D opened the show waving a huge tricolour and singing ‘Do you hear the people sing?’ to which the company, consisting of Saskia C, Lulu C, Winnie D, Tabitha W, joined her in this dynamic and passionate rendition of this famous song from Act 1. This stirring start to this emotional set was followed by Anushka singing, with much feeling, that very popular solo number from the show, ‘I dreamed a dream’. Tabitha W followed with another heartstring puller, ‘On my own’; the characterfulness achieved by Tabitha was very powerful. Winnie D, singing from above the stage, performed ‘In my life’ beautifully and serenely.

Then time for a duet of ‘A little fall of rain’ by Saskia C and Lulu C, their performance showing real empathy between the two characters. This segued seamlessly into the very poignant number, ‘Empty chairs and empty tables’ sung by the whole company before the finale of ‘One day more’. This was a compelling and impressive abridged version of Les Mis, and it left a number of glistening eyes and rapturous applause! A huge well done and thank you to Mr Maliphant-Gray for the magical lighting and sound and of course to Mrs Bradbury-Rance for her inspirational coaching of the company. We look forward to the next production, meanwhile do watch back the performance!