Big Voices, Young Stars. GAOS Youth Take on Les Misérables in Nyon

Seema
Jul 29
4 min read

Updated: Sep 11

What happens when 30 talented young performers come together to stage one of the world’s most iconic musicals? You get the kind of production that stirs the soul and brings a whole community to its feet.

This summer, GAOS (Geneva Amateur Operatic Society) is bringing Les Misérables: School Edition to Nyon and it’s a show you won’t want to miss. Not just because of its unforgettable music and emotional depth, but because of the passion powering it behind the scenes.

Les Misérables School Edition poster with child illustration, red flag, starry night. Text: "Theatre de Marens Nyon, 29-31 August 2025".

At the helm is director Sarah Irwin, who first stepped onto a GAOS stage at the age of five. Since then, she’s done it all; performing, building sets, calling cues, and even (accidentally) painting herself while working on props. These days, she juggles her love of theatre with roles as a PE teacher, netball coach, and after-school musical theatre teacher at Collège du Léman. This is her second time directing for the GAOS Youth Company last year it was High School Musical. This year, she’s taking it up a gear.

A Musical with Muscle

Why Les Misérables?

“It's my all-time favourite show,” says Sarah. “The music, the story, the emotion - it’s powerful. So when GAOS asked me to direct the school edition, I was honoured.”

Due to the ongoing international tour, rights to the full version are restricted. But the youth edition, exclusively available to under-18 performers, gave GAOS the perfect opportunity to challenge their cast with something bold, dramatic, and deeply human.

“The show’s themes - hope, resilience, and injustice, are timeless. We all face tough moments, and Les Mis reminds us that holding onto hope and looking out for each other can really make a difference.”

Sarah Irwin Director. Sarah also played Wishee Washee in the GAOS production of Aladdin.

A Global Story With Local Heart

First staged in Paris in 1980, Les Misérables has become one of the world’s most beloved musicals. Translated into 22 languages, seen by over 130 million people, and winner of more than 100 international awards. Set in 19th-century France and based on Victor Hugo’s masterpiece, it follows the journey of Jean Valjean, a man seeking redemption in a world stacked against him. Its score is legendary, featuring unforgettable songs like:

I Dreamed a Dream
On My Own
Bring Him Home
One Day More
Master of the House

With Boublil and Schönberg (both French creators) at the helm and an original Paris production directed by Robert Hossein, Les Misérables is a musical that lives and breathes the human spirit. Now, this powerful story is finding new life in Nyon through the voices of its youngest performers.

Young Cast, Big Feelings

How do teens connect with such epic storytelling? Sarah asked her cast directly

Teenagers still have that youthful wonder. We see problems and want to change things, that makes us connect deeply with the story. Just look at youth-led movements around the world. - Luke (Javert)

As teens, we definitely feel things intensely, adds. I’ve seen friends act just as dramatically in love as Éponine! I just draw on that energy from real life. - Morwenna (Éponine)

Their answers reflect what Sarah sees every week in rehearsal: real emotional engagement, commitment, and a hunger to perform from the heart.

Behind the Curtain. Flags, Paint, and Countryside Runs

Rehearsals have been anything but dull. In fact, laughter has been just as vital as lines.

One of the actors, Sam, keeps waving random objects; disco balls, ladles, umbrellas, etc instead of a flag during scenes. It's become a game now as to how long it will take people to notice!

There are post-rehearsal countryside runs where scenes are re-enacted mid-jog, moments of spontaneous games, and yes some paint-related mishaps. It’s in these moments, with the joy, the silliness, the teamwork, that theatre comes alive.

Why It Matters for Nyon

Sarah believes this production is a gift to the local community. It’s powerful. It’s moving. And it’s accessible. “This version is a little shorter (about 2h30 including intermission) and more affordable than a professional production, so it’s perfect for families". And who knows, someone in the audience might get inspired to try theatre themselves. On stage or backstage, this could be their entry point.

It takes hundreds of hours and a huge team to bring a show like this to life. By coming to see it, you’re not just watching you’re supporting local talent. Some of these young performers may go on to incredible things. This is your chance to say, 'I saw them before they made it big'.

Whether it’s your first time seeing Les Mis, or your tenth, you’re guaranteed to leave humming the songs and feeling good inside. And in a region like Nyon, where creativity and community thrive, this feel-good ripple effect matters.