Pupils delighted to be in Les Mis
Beaconhurst students busy rehearsing famous show
Talented pupils from Beaconhurst School are busy rehearsing for their production of popular musical Les Miserables at the Macrobert Arts Centre.
The show, performed entirely by pupils and directed by Beaconhurst’s head of drama Paul Beeson, takes place on Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25.
Set in 19th Century France, Les Misérables is based on the historical novel by Victor Hugo and follows the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant released from prison who breaks his parole to create a new life for himself.
Relentlessly tracked by a persistent police inspector named Javert, Valjean is swept into a revolutionary period in France where a group of young idealists make their last stand at the barricades.
Jack Elfick plays the lead role of Valjean with Jamie SalemDalgety as Inspector Javert and Blair Fletcher as revolutionary student Marius.
Jana Tobin stars as Cosette – an orphaned girl saved by Jean Valjean – while Jodie Differ plays Eponine - a street-smart woman hopelessly in love with Marius.
Jack, 18, is delighted to have won the gritty role of Jean Valjean in what will be his final show for Beaconhurst before he leaves for university.
He said: “I didn’t know much about the show – I’ve only seen it once and didn’t know all the songs so it’s been good to get to grips with something new.
“I think it will be a great production as we’ve some fantastic talent this year and everyone taking part is very much focussed and genuinely loves the show.”
Last year, Jack played the title role of demon barber Sweeney Todd in the school’s annual show and before that starred as cowboy Will Parker in the hit musical Oklahoma!
He said: “Valjean is an interesting and complex character and it’s nice to be the good guy for a change after playing the villain last year.”
Jodie, 17, describes herself as “obsessed” with Les Miserables – one of the world’s best-known musicals which marks its 30th anniversary in London’s West End this year after opening at the Barbican Theatre in October 1985. She was overjoyed when the show, first performed by Beaconhurst six years ago, was chosen for this year’s performance.
Jodie, of Bridge of Allan, said: “I’m totally obsessed with Les Miserables and can practically quote the whole show word for word - I just love it.
“Eponine is my favourite character so I’m ecstatic to have the chance to play her on stage. This really is a dream come true for me.”
She added: “Eponine is a fascinating character and in her heart she knows that Marius isn’t going to fall in love with her and there won’t be a happy ending.
“I sang her main song ‘On My Own’ for my audition and I’m looking forward to singing it at the Macrobert.”
Jodie and Jack have already had the chance to get into character and perform their roles for a 30second Central FM radio ad to promote the show.
They and the rest of the cast are now busy rehearsing for Les Miserables which includes well known songs including ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’, ‘One Day More’ and ‘I Dreamed a Dream’.
Other S4-S6 students have backstage production roles, are busy making costumes or are part of a media team working to promote the show.
Tickets are still available for the musical which starts at 7.30pm on each evening ( June 24 and 25) and cost £12 for adults plus £6 for children, students and senior citizens.
To buy tickets, call into the Macrobert Box Office at Stirling University, go to the website www.macrobert.org or phone 01786 466666.
Eponine is my favourite character. I’m ecstatic to have the chance to play her