Something quite remarkable is happening at the Swansea Grand Theatre for the next week and unless you’ve already got a ticket you’ll be relying on late returns to get to see it. ‘Let The People Sing’, a production of Les Misérables might only have opened last night but the journey started well over a year ago.
It was back in February 2024 that local Amateur Dramatic Theatre Company ‘Abbey Players’ were invited to a secret meeting in London at the behest of The Cameron Mackintosh music rights business, Music Theatre International. The idea was to join a project that would celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the musical Les Misérables.
Mr Mackintosh has lovingly guarded this epic of musical theatre with worldwide professional productions always being overseen by his own creative team. There have been opportunities for scaled back school productions, but the show has never been made available for Amateur Companies… until now.
The idea was the leading Amateur companies across the United Kingdom to take control in their area. They would then work with other local companies under the guidance of Mackintosh’s professional Creative team.
Learning the score with Jonathan Lycett MD
Now I know that some people might hear the words ‘Amateur Dramatic Company’ and make an instant decision on the possible quality of the work. They obviously have no idea about the levels of talent and skill and commitment these companies have. Yes they have day jobs but their passion for theatre often runs through generations. Many might well have been professionals if life had dealt them different cards. What I know is that these performers, directors and musicians have probably performed in more shows than your average West End professional who sadly spends many years of their lives ‘resting’ and waiting for the next opportunity.
Eleven lead companies were chosen from various parts of the country. In Wales only one production was sanctioned under the leadership of Abbey Players. At that meeting last year Director Ashley Eynon-Davies and Musical Director Jonathan Lycett were invited to submit their vision for the show. Not only did they have to work on an artistic plan they also had to work on a financial plan. This was going to be a big show, with a big cast and big orchestra which needed a big budget. No wonder the Chair of Abbey Players, Simon Lloyd-Jones hasn’t slept properly for 17 months!!!
THE RED TEAM
The next set of secret meetings were between Abbey Players and the other Swansea companies. It wasn’t long before Cockett Amateur Operatic Society and Swansea Amateur Operatic Society were on board. That’s Swansea for you, all for one and one for all!!!
Once the news entered the public domain a casting call went out to the whole community in Wales, East, South and West Wales. With this being such a big commitment and with so much resting on the show going on no matter what happened it was decided to have 2 casts of principles, a red team and a blue team. This gave more people the chance to perform whilst also building in some resilience should something befall one of the main performers.
The auditions went ahead in January in front of a casting committee of local theatre experts and rehearsals started in February. Twice a week the cast and ensemble have met In Sketty School to ‘note bash’ and start the ‘blocking’. As Les Mis is such a standard most of the cast would know the score inside out which is helpful but also a possible stumbling block. Jonathan Lycett the MD would have to put his stamp on the music with some cast members having to unlearn the way they have sung those classic songs for years.
Greg Arthur – The Opening Night’s Jean Valjean
Also, most of the cast would have seen the show numerous times and probably have the film somewhere on DVD. The director Ashley Eynon-Davies would have to give them a new vision and motivation.
If you don’t know Musical Theatre and the world of Amateur Dramatics, it is hard to understand the level of opportunity this show provided. One of the biggest musicals of all time, an Amateur Premier in Wales and the chance not only to work with the best local director and musicians but also to work with members of Cameron Mackintosh’s creative team who travel all around the world with this show.
West End Legends supporting the show Ria Jones & Steve Balsamo
Overseeing the audition process and some rehearsals and orchestra calls were Chris Key and Steven Moss. Chris Key, Associate Director of Les Misérables (London and Worldwide), is a brilliant creative who understands the importance of his role in realising talent and pushing individuals to reach their potential. Steven Moss, Musical Adviser for Cameron Mackintosh (born in Cardiff), is overseeing the ‘Let the People Sing’ Project and has spent time guiding the musicians and Jonathan. Everyone including Director and MD have loved working at this level and being given the chance and encouragement to shine.
In Opera and Musical Theatre a ‘Sitzprobe’ is a rehearsal where the singers sing with the orchestra, focussing attention on integrating the two groups. It’s often the first rehearsal where the orchestra and singers rehearse together. This happened for the first time last Sunday and as well as smiles there were tears of joy at the sound being created.
I was lucky enough to be invited to a dress rehearsal on Wednesday evening at the Grand. These are stressful times making sure all of the cues, sound and lighting work whilst trying to perform to an empty theatre. What struck me was that this was a very serious business. Whilst being ‘fun’ this was no time for anything other than concentrating on the work and it was inspiring.
Mal with Christian Paterson and Michelle McTernan of Grand Ambition.
Last night I was privileged to join the great and good of Swansea together with some of the show sponsors at The Gala opening. Also in attendance were Swansea West End Royalty Ria Jones and Steve Balsamo who have both played leading roles in the show on some of the world’s biggest stages.
What can I say? It was a triumph. It brought the sold out theatre to its feet as we clapped and cried after experiencing a lifetime of emotions in a couple of hours. This collaborative project has done our theatrical city proud and if I were you I would be on the phone first thing to the Grand Theatre Box Office to see if there are any returns.