Les Miserables School Edition

Theatre Royal Winchester

January 2009

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'FYT's Les Miserables is a visually stunning, briskly confident production. It is a complex story that encompasses, among other things, poverty, crime, punishment, tragedy, death, rebellion and redemption. Yet, under the able direction of David Tatnall, the young cast handled this heavy weight material with great savvy and maturity.

At only sixteen, Ben Lyons made a credible Jean Valjean, bringing considerable gravitas to this demanding role. He was ably matched by Chris Morgan who gave a subtle and compelling performance as his adversary Javert. Among the remaining excellent cast, particular mention also should be made to Emma Bailey for her truly moving performance as Fantine and James Bailey and Eve Lethbridge as the deliciously wicked but rather amusing Monseiur and Madame Thernardier.

Clever set design, good costumes and use of lighting perfectly illustrated the high productions values. Never has poverty looked so good.'