Les Misérables: School Edition 2024 by Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Company, Chipping Sodbury, UK.

Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Company perform Les Misérables at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, July 2024. Four performances stretching over 3 nights with a matinee as well on the final night.

Read more about Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Group (Yate / Chipping Sodbury): https://www.facebook.com/shootingstarsytc

Video by Bristol based photographer / videographer Paul Groom Photography Ltd (https://paulgroomphotography.co.uk / https://www.facebook.com/PaulGroomPhotogra...) and Jason Titley (https://www.tinyfilms.co.uk)

All copyright is owned by the original creator (see below), this is a licensed performance.

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The writers for the Les Misérables School Edition are:
Alain Boublil: Original French text
Jean-Marc Natel: Original French text
Claude-Michel Schönberg: Music
Herbert Kretzmer: Lyrics
James Fenton: Additional material

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Video shown in good faith that no copyright infringement is being created, please get in touch if there are any issues.

Contact: https://paulgroomphotography.co.uk/contact...

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Here's a quick write up of the School Edition of Les Misérables:

Les Misérables: School Edition

The Les Misérables School Edition is a specially adapted version of the iconic musical Les Misérables, tailored for young performers. This adaptation retains the powerful story, unforgettable music, and emotional depth of the original production, while making adjustments to suit the needs of school-aged casts and audiences. Since its release, it has become one of the most performed musicals in schools worldwide, offering young actors an opportunity to engage with a masterpiece of musical theatre.

The school edition was created by Music Theatre International (MTI) in collaboration with the original creative team. Recognising the complexity of the full show, MTI condensed the production to approximately two and a half hours, trimming scenes and some musical numbers while preserving the integrity of the narrative. This streamlined version allows schools and youth groups to tackle a professional-level production without overwhelming their resources or performers.

Story and Themes
At its core, Les Misérables tells a story of redemption, love, and the fight for justice, set against the backdrop of 19th-century France. The school edition follows the same arc as the original, starting with Jean Valjean’s release from prison and his journey to transform his life, haunted by the relentless Inspector Javert. Alongside Valjean’s story are tales of unrequited love, political rebellion, and personal sacrifice. These themes resonate deeply with young performers and audiences alike, encouraging reflection on issues such as morality, poverty, and the pursuit of hope in the face of adversity.

For students, the opportunity to perform Les Misérables School Edition is transformative. The roles demand exceptional vocal and acting skills, from the impassioned solos of “I Dreamed a Dream” and “Bring Him Home” to ensemble numbers like “One Day More” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?” These songs challenge young performers to connect emotionally with the material, requiring maturity and dedication.

Educational Benefits
Producing the school edition offers extensive educational benefits. Students not only gain technical skills in singing, acting, and stagecraft but also develop teamwork, discipline, and confidence. The ensemble nature of Les Misérables means that every performer has a critical role, whether they are principal characters or members of the chorus. Working together to bring Victor Hugo’s timeless tale to life fosters a sense of community and shared accomplishment.

Additionally, the production can serve as a cross-curricular project. Drama departments can collaborate with history classes to explore the social and political climate of 19th-century France, while English lessons might delve into the literary legacy of Victor Hugo’s novel. The depth of the material provides countless opportunities for enrichment beyond the stage.

Impact and Legacy
Since its release, Les Misérables School Edition has inspired countless young performers and audiences. For many students, it is their first encounter with a piece of theatre that transcends entertainment, offering a profound exploration of human resilience and compassion. Schools have embraced the show not only for its artistic excellence but also for its ability to connect young people with timeless, universal themes.

In short, the Les Misérables School Edition continues to be a cornerstone of youth theatre, blending professional-level challenges with an accessible format. It nurtures young talent and ensures that the legacy of Les Misérables endures for generations to come.