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has a strong musical society tradition and it is encouraging to see this being carried on in a younger generation and exemplified most recently by a wonderfully rousing production of
Les Miserables by the
South Eastern Youth Drama production. Nothing about the production disappointed. The sets with gates and of course, a barricade glided effortlessly when required, the many lighting changes added much to creating the atmosphere of a preelectric age. The large ensemble were suitably cast. The stand out performance was that of
Glen Murphy in the role of Jean Valjean who gave an incredibly controlled and mature performance that belied his youth. Jarvert with a rather throaty delivery was distinctive and had a good stage presence and the enmity between the two stage personas was credible. Thenadier and wife squeezed every nuance from their comic double act . There was an impressive emphatic brass sound in the pit, although strings were a litte thin and one did miss the bite of an oboe in some of the more plaintive numbers.
The direction and musical staging was by David Hennesy with Wayne Brown the musical director. Unsurpringly, the show was a sell out with afficionados in Waterford snapping up tickets. Although a long show at almost three hours, the wealth of memorable numbers combined with the strength of the production meant we were not tempted to sneak out early at any point as we have been increasingly prone to do with our diminishing attention span. Moreover, had we seen this on a prestigious London stage we would have not been disappointed and felt it was worth the trip. Wishing the group every success in its next endeavours. Put me on your mailing list.
