The Peterite 2012-2013

Page 115

Creative & Cultural

Drama Les Misérables This production was a real joy to work on. We were fortunate to have a very strong cast, who were up for the challenge of taking on this opera which is completely sung, containing only two words of dialogue. The taxing and complicated nature of the vocal writing required a particular emphasis on the singing, as well as an ability to deal with the many dramatic elements of the piece. As the performances approached the sheer scale of the work began to loom over us all. A first act of an hour and twenty minutes is in itself as long as most school musicals, and to have this combined with a second act of a further hour was a daunting prospect both in terms of the time we had for preparation and the commitment that was needed from the cast as they continued with their normal school life. It was a worry at times but perhaps more for the staff than the pupils!

The set was superbly constructed by our technician Helen Heaton and her parents the weekend before the show and this just transformed the Memorial Hall and brought a sense of excitement and anticipation to the whole event. It was a delight to see the hall being developed to allow for drama, with the new lighting rig in use, and to have performing arts right at the heart of the school for this week. An orchestra of 25 was massed,

The Peterite 2012-2013

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