Tickets have gone on sale for a new production of one of the most famous musicals of all – Les Misérables.
Pupils chose the musical during a vote organised by Wellington’s drama prefects.
It tells the story of Jean Valjean, a former convict who spends a lifetime seeking redemption.
Victor Hugo’s revolutionary novel was turned into a musical in 1985 by producer Cameron Mackintosh, and features songs like I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, and Bring Him Home.
A special school version of the show is to be performed by Wellington College students next month, and they are inviting fellow educational establishments to come along and watch a special matinee performance.
This will take place on Tuesday, February 6, ahead of three nightly shows: Wednesday, February 7 through to Friday, February 9.
The 60-strong cast is taken from all school years, from the third form to the upper sixth, with other pupils acting as deputy stage managers and running the technical, make-up and costume elements. The ambitious production, which started rehearsals in September, features a revolving stage.
“I can safely say that these last five months have been some of the most enjoyable in all of my time at Wellington,” said Toby Hancock, who is playing Marius.
“I’ve absolutely loved being able to play Marius and work on the part with the incredible creative team and cast that we’ve had for the show this year.
“It has been such a privilege to end my time in the Wellington Drama Department with my dream production, so I hope you enjoy it just as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it on.”
And the Crowthorne school’s director of drama, Nick Huntington said: “To put on a production of Les Misérables, School Edition feels like a celebration of classic musical theatre.
“We hope our audiences love the fantastic music and well-loved songs as much as our pupils have loved rehearsing them.
“I’m delighted that we have so many pupils working backstage and behind the scenes as well as acting and singing.
“We’re expecting to sell-out over three nights and raise a significant amount of money for the Arts Fund.”
Since its inception, £80,000 has been raised for Wellington College Arts Fund. The funds raised have been made available to more than 70 local schools as grants of up to £1,000, to aid their own arts education.
For more details, or to book, log on to: www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk.
