Les Misérables – Let the People Sing was part of a nationwide initiative led by Music Theatre International and Cameron Mackintosh Ltd to mark the 40th anniversary of Les Misérables in London’s West End. The aim? To celebrate the power of community theatre by inviting amateur companies across the UK to stage full-scale productions – with open casting, inclusive collaboration, and creative interpretation rooted in the spirit of the original London staging.
Norwich was fortunate to be chosen as one of the few regions to take on this remarkable challenge. A unique coalition of four companies – Norfolk & Norwich Operatic Society (NNOS), Threshold Theatre Company, Echo Youth Theatre, and Sound Ideas Theatre Company – came together to bring this landmark production to life.
I was proud to volunteer my services as Technical Director, helping to align and support the participating companies and ensure the show’s technical ambitions were achievable.
With a cast and crew of over 150 people – from seasoned performers to first-timers – this was a production driven by community, storytelling, and shared purpose. My role covered a wide scope: overseeing the technical delivery, managing the production budget, realising the set design, liaising with contractors and suppliers, and planning the logistics for load-in and get-out. Working closely with director Chris Cuming, designer Dan Smith, and the producers, I helped translate a bold creative vision into something that could be realised effectively on stage – all within the limits of time, budget, and available personnel.
Once the design was approved, it was my responsibility to ensure it could be delivered safely and efficiently – including coordinating lighting, sound, rigging, and venue logistics. We had just an eight-hour window to load into the Theatre Royal before cast orientation and technical rehearsals began – an intense but satisfying challenge, delivered on time and without issue.
The result? Seven sold-out performances, glowing five-star reviews, and a technically ambitious production that captured the emotional weight and enduring relevance of Les Misérables, while allowing the cast to shine on stage.
Working on Let the People Sing was a powerful reminder of why theatre matters: it builds community, nurtures creativity, and brings people together to tell stories that resonate across generations.
"...the expert creative team create a package to rival any professional production."
Emma Harpley, East Midlands Theatre
