Plymouth Theatre Review

Title of Show: Les Miserables 

Date of attendance: 21st January 2024

Venue: The Quad Theatre, Marion Arts Center 

Production Type: Musical Theatre 

Easy to follow: 5/5

Family friendly: 5/5

Must see: 5/5

Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, this much loved musical masterpiece springs to life through the exuberant talent of the Plymkids Youth Company’s young performers. Taking the audience through the emotional journey of Les Misérables is no mean feat and Plymkids Youth Company certainly rises to the challenge with their deep understanding of the themes, emotional connection to the characters, and outstanding talent of their young cast. Under the skilful direction of the production team, including Artistic Director and Choreographer, Molly Stewart; Director, Rob Tremaine; and Musical Director, Alastair Addley, the production flowed seamlessly, balancing lively, energetic ensemble numbers and grand spectacle with intimate moments of introspection. While some mature themes and language are toned down for the specially adapted ‘School Edition’, the interpretation by Plymkids Youth Company was certainly not lacking in passion and grit, and the company managed to retain the heart and spirit of the original show whilst making it more accessible and relatable to their young performers.

The cast proved without question that age is no barrier to talent and professionalism. Their portrayal of the themes of love, redemption and revolution was nothing short of mesmerising. Led by a strong, remarkably talented ensemble, the principal cast dug deep for the portrayal of their characters, and breathed a new life into familiar roles with seemingly effortless energy. From the tortured soul of Jean Valjean to the determination of Inspector Javert, each performance was imbued with an emotional depth way beyond the years of the performers. Despite their youth, the cast showcased remarkable vocal prowess, tackling the soaring melodies and haunting ballads with ease and passion. Vocal talent aside, their commitment to storytelling shone through in each scene, and every breath, gesture and spoken word was teeming with sentiment and feeling. The chemistry and camaraderie on stage was palpable, creating moments of genuine connection that lingered long after the final curtain.  

A powerful & talented performance from Lewis Corkhill (who is just 17) as Jean Valjean, showed a connection to his character befitting someone well beyond his years. His acting skills, paired with a strong vocal talent gave his character portrayal depth and resonance that invested the audience in his journey. Likewise, Tommy Aryes portrayal of Javert captured the essence of the character with palpable intensity. His commanding presence on the stage coupled with a clear understanding of the character made for a truly memorable performance. 

The portrayal of Thenardier & Madam Thenardier by Harry Davidson and Erin Olsen was a delightful blend of humour and iniquity, with both actors infusing their scenes with larger than life personalities and impeccable comedic timing. Their chemistry on stage was particularly noteworthy, displaying an comedic charm that spilled out to the ensemble during Master of the House.

Rhys Turner as Marius was truly captivating, providing effortlessly flawless vocals and a powerfully emotive performance. His ability to convey the character’s emotional depth and vulnerability was deeply moving, and added a layer of authenticity to the production making the characters’ journey of love and loss all that more poignant.

The staging was simple yet effective, making clever use of the set to transport the audience to 19th century France with minimalistic charm. Utilising a versatile and interactive set, the stage came alive with the essence of the barricades, and the cast’s interaction with different levels of performance space created a rich landscape for the audience to lose themselves in. The clever set design added to the authenticity of the production, allowing focus to remain on the passionate storytelling and talented cast, while providing the characters with an immersive background to play in.

There were many memorable moments in this production. The ensembles stirring performance of One day more was punchy, passionate & emotive, and really showcased the talent of the young cast. Daisy Harris’ rendition of Epionine’s On my own was delivered with a vulnerability and raw emotion that stirred the audience and left a lasting impression. A special mention is also needed for Rory Ferrier and his portrayal of Gavroche. At just 8 years old, Rory showcased talent beyond his years and melted audience’s hearts with his cheeky representation of this character.

This production of Les Misérables by Plymkids Youth Company left a lasting impression, providing passionate, powerful performances, clever storytelling, and unforgettable moments that really showcased the talent and enthusiasm of company. At the end of the day, this production of Les Misérables proves that age is no barrier to talent, passion, and the transformative power of theatre. Bravo to the Plymkids Youth Company for a fantastic performance.