Our talented students at Springwood High School are staging a production of Les Miserables, with evening performances taking place from Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 January in the Peter Hopkins Hall.

“Les Miserables is an undertaking of epic proportions,” said Robin Norman, Director of Music at our school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“It lasts over two and a half hours, including the interval, with a 90-minute first half. It also includes some of the best-known songs in musical theatre, therefore it’s difficult to name any highlights.

“However, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ by Fantine, ‘Star’ by Javert, ‘On My Own’ by Eponine, and ‘One Day More’ by the whole company, are songs I am confident will provide a lasting impression on our audience.”

Those starring in the iconic show range in age from Years 7 to 13, and include Hemi Grimsby as lead Jean Valjean; Callum Barber as Javert; Sam McHale as Marius; Rachel-Lee September as Eponine; Iamryl Faculan as Cosette; Poppy Patnell as Fantine; and Ella Reid as Thenardier.

Besides the 30 cast members, our students are also involved backstage and front of house, assisting with all aspects of the production.

“For the students, there is nothing quite like the camaraderie that is built through being part of a large-scale musical project such as this,” continued Mr Norman, who is directing and producing the performances, as well as conducting the 18-piece, live orchestra.

“The students have been working on this for a number of months, and a show such as Les Mis is no small undertaking, with two-and-a-half hours of material to learn.

“As staff members, we love to see the students progress and rise to what many would not consider possible for students to undertake.”

Among the staff working behind the scenes are Health and Social Care Lead Chloe Lister; Peripatetic Vocal Tutor Sam Ashby; and Music Teacher Hayley Tabor; while colleagues involved with the orchestra include Music Teacher Thomas Burt, Business Studies Teacher Robin McGregor, and Jo Kemp, who is Head of Music at St Clement’s High School – a fellow WNAT member.

“Over the three nights we can accommodate a total of around 900 audience members (300 each night), and tickets are selling fast,” added Mr Norman. “We would love to see members of our local community coming to see the show.

“We value our links within the community, and we have received many messages and good wishes from people in the area who have always wanted to see the show but are unable to get to London and the West End to watch it.

“They are thrilled that we are giving them the chance to come as an audience member, with many stating how much they are looking forward to it. We are thrilled to be able to give them that opportunity.”

Les Miserables takes place 6pm 27 to 29 January at Springwood. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £6 for student/under-18s and are available from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/springwood-high-school-music-department