Les Miserables played to packed audiences in the Peter Hopkins Hall, with more than 740 people attending across the three nights, including the Mayor of King’s Lynn, Councillor Andy Bullen.

“The three performances were all rousing successes, with standing ovations every night,” said our Director of Music, Robin Norman, who directed and produced the show.

“The students really rose to the occasion and portrayed their characters superbly, telling a very difficult narrative with emotion and sensitivity beyond their years.

“We have had so many messages of support from our audience members since they watched the show. This has mostly been surprise and admiration as to how well the students performed, with many saying that they considered it to be at an almost professional standard, and they could hardly believe that the oldest member of the cast was 18 with the youngest being just 11.

“They also commented on how well the emotion was portrayed, making many shed tears.”

Those taking starring roles included 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, students also assisted backstage and front of house, helping with all aspects of the production at our school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Les Miserables is a production of epic proportions,” continued Mr Norman. “The first half alone is 90 minutes long and, with the interval, the whole performance was around three hours in length. This includes more than 40 musical numbers, many of which are some of the best known songs in musical theatre and test the limits of professional singers.

“Every single member of the company, whether on stage or backstage, put in hours of work to learn the songs, lines, and procedures to make this whole show a success.

“Some members of the lead cast had never been in a show before, but they took to the challenge with real resilience and determination. They all performed amazingly, and they thoroughly deserved the admiration and appreciation they received from the audience every night.”

“I have been fortunate enough in the past to work in the professional world, but the dedication to the show demonstrated by our students was up there with anything I have done or seen,” he added.

“As I said in my speech on the final night, I bow my head to them and their achievements. They demonstrate the best in young people at a time when others their age get a lot of bad press.

“I could not have asked any more from them, and they have given me, and many of our audience members, an experience we will not forget.”