Greenfield Community College Sunnydale Campus in Shildon, triumphed in a mesmerising School production of “Les Miserables” with a staggering show of an extremely high professional standard.
Director Allison Brown said “When we started producing Musical Theatre Shows at Sunnydale in 2005 we could never have imagined that ten years later we would be in a position to produce “Les Miserables”. It is a testament to the amazing cast that this is possible. Mrs. Massingham and I have worked hard over the years to encourage students to become involved in the Music Department and to have the confidence to perform on stage, and it is fantastic to be able to produce this show with such a large number of talented, confident upper school boys and girls and to have younger members of the School also involved. It really has been a dream come true and I have loved every second and we are immensely proud of all of them. We have been so lucky and had so many talented students perform on our Sunnydale stage and know that for some of them, this has been just the start of their theatrical career and we are sure that we will see them in future on the professional stage! Lots of students are always involved from different year groups and again we had a strong chorus and cast of some brilliant staff and amazing pupils”.
Jean ValJean – Nathan Brown an exceptional talent along with Javert – Mathew Raby, Marius – Dylan Ward, Thenardier (Inn Keeper) – Rohan Haigh, Enjolras (The Bishop and Leader of the students – James Little and Liam Clarey – one of the students.
The female leads were wonderful again with the very talented Year 11’s excelling in the lead musical roles. Fantine – Georgia Jaye, Cosette – Niamh Ellison, Mme Thenardier – Chloe Morgan, Students – Jessica Hall and Nicola Stevens and Alison’s daughter Katie Park-Brown as Eponine.
Little Cosette and Little Eponine were played by the talented Grace Raper and Chloe Bell and the gutsy Gavroche was played brilliantly by Emily Lowery.
Director Allison said “It has been a huge undertaking and a massive team effort that has involved many staff and students and supportive parents over the years, not to mention friends and family members who have supported us fully and helped us to produce such memorable shows and to pull off the great show that is ‘Les Miserables’ !
We also could not have done it without an incredible band, back-stage crew, prop/set makers and the technical support of Phil Massingham and Gregg Jordan who were fantastic! Not to mention the ticket sellers, hair stylist/make-up helpers, backstage ‘shushers’, costume makers – Diane Wade, Judith Paterson, Leslie Wilson and Joy Dobson who is a ‘joy’ to work with and who transforms the actors with her stage make-up each year! We have been so lucky with all the support over the years of many people, lots who I haven’t mentioned but you know who you are and we have loved working with you all, past and present. Thank you so much”.
David Priestly, Head-Teacher of congratulated all involved and said, “Sunnydale Campus students have risen to the challenge and the singing and acting performances are thrilling and it shows the incredible talent, hard work and dedication that has taken these students and this production to a very high professional standard”.
The singing, acting, set, costumes, lighting and special effects all combined to make the show a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It’s a long show but the audience were hooked from the first scene to the last – then there was a standing ovation.
PER Productions: “Wow! We have filmed many shows, but the performance from Sunnydale was something special! Les Miserables is a huge show to take on, but they pulled it off! Amazing local talent!”
