The Hunchback Of Notre Dame

I was warmly welcomed on arrival at Front of House.

This production was spectacular from start to finish. All of the principals played their roles superbly, the dancing was colourful and rehearsed to perfection and the voices were powerful and confident.

The set was purpose built and featured inside Notre Dame complete with resplendent stained glass window. The construction was such that it enabled the continuous movement of cast, both on and off stage and to the upper level.

Brilliant and thoughtful casting combined the talents of deaf actor, Jestin Bartlett, as Quasimodo, the bell ringer of Notre Dame, with his “ voice” Sean Hynes who had one of the strongest male singing voices I've heard in amateur theatre. Whilst Jestin cavorted around the stage acting out the hunchback with enormous skill, even miming words to some of the songs, Sean was never far away in the background, adding the dialogue and singing in the shared role. The coordination and synchronisation between these two was quite extraordinary and this was a moving performance from them both.

Cally Kline played Esmeralda, the gypsy girl who befriended Quasimodo. Pretty, boisterous and smart, she delighted with her singing and stage presence. I especially enjoyed her duet, “Someday” with Captain Phoebus, played by Thomas Pleasant, a very handsome guard of Notre Dame, in love with and enthralled by Esmeralda, This was an excellent interpretation by Thomas.

Wayne Setford, as the Archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, captured the character perfectly, emphasising the devious, sinister and sometime tortured nature of the role. He certainly looked the part of an Archdeacon and had a wonderful voice when leading the choral numbers.

Clopin, the colourful gypsy leader, was played with great energy by Keegan Featherstone, who was both flambuoyant and rousing on stage.

There were a number of supporting roles, all played well and adding greatly to the production. All of these actors were also involved in the various chorus numbers and there was plenty for chorus members to take part in.

The choruses of congregants, gypsies and revellers all performed to a very high standard and there was a swift transformation of some of the congregants to gypsies by rapidly discarding long capes which covered the vibrant and colourful gypsy costumes with barely a need to leave the stage. The dancing by the gypsies was energetic and a joy to watch.

Neil Somerville was Musical Director and conducted a very versatile band, hitting just the right volume. Some of the musical numbers were challenging and to Neil's credit, the cast without exception, performed very well.

Technically this was a very sophisticated production with lighting, sound and wardrobe all playing a crucial role.

Laura Hicks was the Assistant Director and took a very supportive role to Director and Choreographer Adam Woodhouse. However, I must applaud Adam for his directional skills and innovation and imagination in creating such a hugely successful production.

 

Well done to everyone involved both on and off stage.

I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling and absorbing production.

 

 

 

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