The Victor Hugo Centre and GADOC joined forces to entertain shoppers in town on Saturday morning with an ‘impromptu’ performance of songs from Les Misérables.
Singing outside Boots, the group performed variations of ‘At the End of the Day’, ‘Stars’, ‘Master of the House’, and ‘Do You Hear the People Sing’.
Some of the singers were original cast members from GADOC’s acclaimed 2016 performance of Les Misérables which had to extend its run when demand for tickets surpassed the capacity at Beau Sejour.
Passersby stopped to watch the performances which were being directed by Lisa Johnston, Vice-Chair of GADOC, who had directed the 2016 theatre show.
“Les Misérables holds a special place in our hearts from when we first performed it in Beau Sejour, even more so as we approach a decade later.
“It was such a huge musical to take on at the time, with the revolving stage especially purchased for the show. GADOC will be forever proud of bringing this musical home to Guernsey; we were therefore really excited to collaborate and mark the occasion.”
The Victor Hugo Centre team organised the event following the launch of the new Victor Hugo Trails, which allow people to learn more about Hugo and his time in exile in Guernsey.
“Les Misérables is Hugo’s most famous piece of work which was completed and published whilst he was living in Guernsey,” said Larry Malcic, Chairman of the Victor Hugo Centre.
“In the year that we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, we value the chance to share his vision of social justice, peace and freedom with the public though music and to celebrate our local talent.”
2025 and 2026 are special years for the Victor Hugo Centre and fans of Les Misérables in particular.
2025 sees Les Misérables celebrate its 40th anniversary on the West End, and 170 years since Hugo arrived in Guernsey, while 2026 will be the 10-year anniversary of GADOC’s local production.