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To all involved with Panorama’s brilliant production of Les Miserables
Congratulations on the best piece of ‘amateur’ (and the word seems strangely inappropriate) theatre I have ever had the pleasure of seeing.
The vocals were simply first rate and delivered with a passion and intensity that one rarely sees.
The soloists were superbly cast and the experience of Michael Fletcher lead the way for a comprehensive and seamless production – a credit to the director and crew.
I suppose we expect the leads to ‘star’, but also in this case the ensembles were equally brilliant.
Both the female and male ensembles were precise in diction, pitch and movement – and, thanks to good sound production and training, every word come through loud and clear.
The cast were well able to carry the emotion of the opera, and there were many tissues to be seen wiping eyes when Eponine (superbly played by Maddy Featherby – remember that name!) died in the arms of Marius (very convincingly portrayed by a romantically smooth Mete Erdogan).
This is a great show to reveal talent, and Will Sayers (as Enjolras) was simply stunning in his role with a powerful voice that demanded respect and suited his commanding performance –
what a stage presence this young man has! The Thernadiers were sensational and the incidental roles all gave their best to every line and every gesture.
The real star is “Les Miserables” itself – what a superb story – what brilliant writing.
Every line means so much and the cast of Panorama were well versed in delivering the lines – they were more than singers – they acted their roles superbly.
The climactic line “To love another person is to see the face of god” sung in superb 3 point harmony by Eponine; Fantine and Jean Valjean was a special moment that will live with me for some time. And remember Maddy Featherby’s name – she is a star.
Alan Wiggs
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