GCSE Music Trip – Les Misérables Workshop & Performance

Last week, eighty of our most dedicated musicians exchanged the classroom for the cobblestones of nineteenth-century France for a memorable visit to see Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre. This experience was a well-deserved reward for their continuing commitment to music clubs and school performances throughout the past year. The day was a wonderful opportunity to hear professional performances in a world-class venue, and I could not be prouder of how our students represented the school.

Before the show began, students participated in an intensive vocal and drama workshop, recreating one of the iconic opening scenes. It was a remarkable sight to see eighty students transform into prisoners and gendarmes, aided by authentic costumes, singing ‘At the end of the Day’ with such confidence and vitality. 

The matinee performance itself was exceptional, featuring powerful performances of classic songs such as, I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own and Do You Hear the People Sing? The emotional depth and superb scenic and lighting effects in this production left a lasting impression on everyone. In addition, the group enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere of London, particularly the vibrant Chinese New Year decorations that lined nearby streets.  

The quality of both the workshops and the theatrical performance was top-tier, and the students’ conduct was exemplary in a busy urban setting. Given the talent and enthusiasm shown by such a large cohort, we hope to organise further trips in the future. Thank you so much to the staff who made this trip possible: Miss Harris, Mrs Hutchings, Miss Morris, Miss Mulhivil and Mrs Wood.

Mrs Hogan, Head of Music Department