January 26, 2023
With a cast of 60, a full professional orchestra and a newly lifted restriction for single sex schools to be able to perform Les Misérables, staff and pupils at NHSG are about to embark on their most ambitious stage production yet.
The performances will take place between 2nd – 4th February at our Senior School from 7pm, where other pupils, family members and the general public will see the extravagant production brought to life by an all-girl cast.
Anna Dobson, Head of Drama and Director of the show, said: “We’ve wanted to stage Les Misérables for years but it’s only been very recently that single sex schools have been able to obtain the license to perform it. So as soon as that restriction was lifted we were straight on the case!
“We’ve got 60 pupils taking part of all ages, from Years 7 through to Year 13, and the orchestra has invited two of our very own pupils to play with them, which is clearly a really exciting opportunity for them. Everyone knows Les Mis has a challenging music score but the girls are determined to wow their audience. They have been working incredibly hard in rehearsals and I know they are going to blow everyone one away when they come to perform live. We’ll be performing in our school’s performing arts venue and the professional staging, sound and lighting will add to the occasion.
“At NHSG we’re proud to give our pupils the opportunity to build on their practical experience and future CV in addition to providing a first-class academic curriculum. Bringing a taste of the professional world into the school environment is a really effective way of preparing pupils for life after study.”
Two pupils taking part in the orchestra are Maia in Year 13, who plays trombone and Elizabeth in Year 9 who is playing violin.
Maia said: “Being part of the orchestra for the school musical is a highlight of the year, and I am thoroughly enjoying Les Misérables this year. Having played in the orchestra and band for the musicals since Year 7, I always enjoy the opportunity of working alongside the professional musicians. Not only is it great fun, but it has also improved my playing significantly, and I have learnt a lot about different techniques and mutes! I am sad that this is my last year, but I look forward to participating in orchestras and jazz bands at University and maybe even playing in local productions whilst I’m there!’’
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling and emotional story of justice, injustice, love, redemption and revolution, accompanied by some of the most memorable soundtracks in theatre history, including ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ and ‘On My Own’.
Anna added: “Most of the musicals we have previously performed have included some dialogue, whereas this is all sung, so it’s a real challenge for everyone taking part. We can’t wait to share the finished product with the world.”
Charlotte, an NHSG Drama Scholar, is taking on the role of Gavroche. It will mark her first performance in Senior School although she’s no stranger to theatre, being a member of Acting Up in Gateshead and playing Dorothy in our Junior School production of The Wizard of Oz.
Charlotte said: “I am really looking forward for my first Senior School production. It has been an amazing experience and I have really enjoyed the rehearsals. I can’t wait for the show days.’’
NHSG is staging the school edition special adaptation of Les Misérables licensed by Music Theatre International and Cameron Mackintosh (Overseas) Limited. The original music was written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, based on the book by Victor Hugo.
Tickets range from £13 – £15 with a 10% discount when purchasing four or more.
To book visit www.trybooking.co.uk/CBFG