National Recognition for Outstanding Production of Les Misérables
Sherborne enjoyed a landmark moment for the arts in December 2025, following the outstanding success of four sold-out performances of the Joint Schools’ musical, Les Misérables: School Edition. Bringing together 56 pupils from Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Boys and Sherborne Prep, the production stood as a powerful celebration of collaboration, creativity and artistic excellence across the Sherborne Schools Group.
The scale and ambition of the production were matched by the quality of performance on stage. Pupils delivered assured, deeply moving portrayals of Victor Hugo’s iconic characters, including Jean Valjean, Javert, Marius, Enjolras, Cosette, Éponine and Fantine. With maturity and conviction well beyond their years, the cast captured both the emotional depth and dramatic intensity of the story, earning sustained applause from audiences throughout the run.
Musically, the production was equally impressive. An exceptional orchestra provided a rich and dynamic foundation, bringing Boublil and Schönberg’s score thrillingly to life and enhancing the drama at every turn. The cohesion between performers and musicians reflected the high level of musical training and artistic ambition that defines the Sherborne Schools.
This excellence has now been recognised on a national stage. During the final performance on Saturday 6 December, a Theatre Representative from the National School Theatre Awards attended to review the production. As a result, Les Misérables has been entered into the 2026 National School Theatre Awards, a prestigious annual celebration of the very best in school theatre, performance, design and technical achievement across the UK.
The production has received nominations for Best Musical and Best Ensemble, alongside individual nominations for Best Actress in a Musical for Esme A as Éponine, Best Female Solo Song in a Musical for Esme A's performance of On My Own and Best Actor in a Musical for Jonah W as Javert,. These nominations place Sherborne alongside some of the country’s most renowned arts-focused schools, reflecting the exceptionally high standard achieved.
Shortlisting and invitations to attend or perform at the awards ceremony, held in London’s West End, will be announced later in 2026.
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