Beyond the barricade WORDS | HANNAH CLARKSON
T he buzz around the school in Term 2 was undeniable, and the consensus was unanimous: Les Misérables was a triumph. Bringing this legendary show to our stage during its 40th anniversary was a monumental undertaking, pushing our students to their limits with demanding vocals, emotional depth, and flawless coordination behind the scenes. However, as the Director of Drama, the true success of a production is never about the standing ovation at the final curtain. It is about what happens in the six months leading up to it: the community built in the wings, the confidence and skills uncovered, and the life-changing bonds formed under the stage lights.
Whether a student is standing in a spotlight as a lead, driving the energy of the ensemble, or calling cues in the crew, a school production offers an experience unlike any other. Here is what our students had to say. For some, this production was the culmination of a lifelong ambition. Charlie Wood (Year 13), who took on the monumental role of Jean Valjean, reflected: “The first time I saw Les Misérables was live on the West End ... I realised that performing was what I wanted to do with my life. To then stand on the College stage in my final year, performing my dream show as Jean Valjean, was an experience I’ll never forget.”
Taking on a show of this calibre pushed our performers to new heights. Ollie Trollip (Year 12), who played Javert, said: “I have developed a lot of my skills through the singing of many difficult pieces of music and also learning lots of tips from the many talented people around me.” Michael Rankin (Year 13) echoed this sentiment, adding: “My voice has developed way more than I ever thought it could ... it honestly became one of the highlights of my time at College.” Stepping into a senior production can be intimidating, especially for younger or less experienced students, but the theatre quickly becomes a place where year levels
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