One Mile Away

“It seemed so tragic that people would kill each other over a postcode” – Penny Woolcock

Les Misérables

I've adored Les Misérables since I was part of the stage crew of my high school's utterly epic production in 2009. It was the first production that really grabbed a hold of me and wouldn't let go. Every rehearsal and each performance gave me goosebumps, and I credit that experience as the main reason my heart races - without fail - every time I go to the theatre and why it now takes pretty spectacular acting to distract me from soaking up all aspects of the set (I'll never forget being witness to the inner workings of a moving barricade and helping untangle Enjolras - and his giant red flag - from the barricade in the pitch black and in total silence). As a result I can't just watch a play: I automatically follow how the set moves, how props are transported on and off and always keep a keen eye out for stage crew with cans. I'd seen plays before and been part of the stage crew for years prior to 2009, but it was Les Mis that made me unequivocally love the theatre.