News

Last week Nower Hill High School students took to the stage after a two year hiatus with a huge musical production of Les Miserables, School edition. 

Each sell-out show ended with a standing ovation and rapturous applause.  It had been months in the planning and preparation from the producers and directors, Alicia Johnson and Julie Ann Gardner, ably assisted by directors Hannah Moriarty and John Taylor. 

A cast of 126 students ranging from students in Year 7 all the way through to Year 13, supported by a full orchestra and large technical crew, demonstrated huge talent and dedication across the Arts collaboration.  The students did themselves and the staff proud, in portraying the sung-through musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel. Rousing chorus numbers, passionate solos and glorious costume, sound and lighting – really a week of fabulousness all round!

We would like to congratulate all who participated in the production in every single aspect, and to thank you all for your kind words, your support and allowing your children to participate.  We really couldn’t be prouder of what they have all learned and achieved.  We also can’t wait to start planning the next one…

We are delighted to share some of the wonderful comments from the emails of thanks:

“I cried, I laughed and I cried again. So much talent and the best school production I have ever seen! Huge congratulations to you all.”

“Wow! I am astounded by the epic performance I have just had the utter pleasure to watch!”

“The range of talent on display was so humbling to see and the dedication and conviction in all the performers faces was so evident; you all should be so, so proud of yourselves!”

“All the cast put in such a fantastic shift, moving me to tears on more than one occasion I am more than happy to admit! The whole production from Lighting, sound, back stage and not forgetting the amazing orchestra was true entertainment.”

“We all came last night to watch it and we loved it -  never seen a school production of that calibre before. Everyone involved is amazing, you’d pay a fortune in the West End…….hugely entertaining and thoroughly inspiring!”

“I just wanted to drop you a line and say how absolutely blown away we were by the performance last night. The whole thing was completely phenomenal - from the outstanding solo performances to the rousing chorus numbers, costumes, set and, of course, music. I laughed, I cried (yes, actual tears!) - it was fabulous. I have seen the West End performance of Les Mis a few times and I have to say Nower Hill really gave it a run for its money! The best amateur production I have seen (and I have seen a lot!)”

“Thank you so much for providing this opportunity for our young people - particularly after the last couple of years; it has been just what they needed.”

“Can we just thank you and the staff of the Music & Drama departments for the spectacular show they gave us, which was stupendous and an absolute triumph in all respects.  The performances from the entire ensemble were superbly authentic and moving, with special mention of course to the 6^th Form leads whose performances showed maturity and presence beyond their years.  Please do extend our thanks to the teaching staff, the orchestra, and the pupils who gave us this tremendous show.”