The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Well, what can I say…….?

The short review is: It was simply EPIC!

I was invited over to watch The Hunchback and I obviously accepted the invitation to head over the water to see this very accomplished theatre company attempt the fantastic music of Alan Menken and the awesome book and lyrics of Steven Schwarz. I have always enjoyed my trips to the island to see what the habitants of this lovely little island have to offer.  Although they have limited people on the island - the theatre groups on the Isle of Man continue to turn out simply professional, West End level performances.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame was one of my favourite animated musicals from Disney when I was growing up and I loved the colourful telling of a dramatic and ultimately dark story taken from the book of Victor Hugo written in 1831.  Alan Menken is one of my very favourite composers, turning out melodic, powerful musical theatre numbers time after time and this show is no different.  With one of the numbers ( Someday ) reaching number 4 in the UK charts by girl band Eternal.  

This dramatic story of a misshapen figure of a man (Quasimodo) that lives in a clocktower and rings the bells in the cathedral in Paris, who falls in love with a young colourful gypsy travelling entertainer (Esmerelda). Quasimodo lives in the clocktower, under the watchful eye of his “protector” and guardian (Claude Frollo) the Archdeacon of Notre Dame. There is a love triangle in the story between Quasimodo, Esmerelda and Captain Phoebus, the leader of the King’s Archers.  Phoebus falls for Esmerelda and is intrigued by her secrecy and spirit.

This version, staged by The Douglas Choral Union was a brave choice by Director David Dawson and his team.  Choosing to navigate the story in a way that was far from the colourful Disney screen and concentrating on the dramatic and dark story of threat, intrigue, abduction, love and death.  The Direction was clear and strong and excellent to see.  To see Davids telling of this piece on stage was enthralling to watch.  Clever but simple set by David Walton encased the whole story and the scenes swept from inside the Cathedral to The Court of Miracles to the City Square with ease.  I was blown away by the clever use of the LED screen at the back of the stage which effortlessly melted into the set and scenery at each point through the show.  You forgot it was there until you looked further into the scene and it flanked the stage perfectly - well done tech team, great job.  The choreography for the show was energetic and non stopping.  Even the smaller scenes were cleverly split using levels and the entire stage.  I would like to mention the fantastic job that the costume and makeup team have done during this run.  The costumes were perfectly fitting for the time and feel of the show and the make was outstanding!  The orchestra of 12 Conducted by the talented Steve Daykin was under complete control.  The music was played beautifully by this fantastic orchestra - well done!  The volume and mix of the show from the strong orchestra and the vocals on stage were absolutely en pointe - well done to the sound team.  Talking of the technical aspect of the show, the lighting was really impressive, with great design and subtle scene changes, using the lighting only at times.  Great job!  Well done to the Musical Direction/Choral Master team of Liz Dixon and Steve Daykin who shared these roles to great effect making sure the music and the vocals were top notch!  

The on stage talent was overflowing! Firstly I’d like to mention the choir, who added an amazing level of sound.  The harmonies from the choir were extremely impressive and the Soprano’s deserve an applause for themselves for some of the stratospheric notes that they tackled - well done!  As an ensemble, the cast really were slick and energetic.  The vocal levels throughout the show was strong.  A special mention goes to the Saints.  I was blown away how well you all played your characters made of stone!  Casting was perfect for the the Saints, the vocals and harmonies of these 6 performers was perfect! Amazing job!  As you can see already, the talent was fantastic and obviously the principle performers were no different.  Hats off to our main line of performers.  Esmerelda, played by Leah Carter was engaging and very difficult to take your eyes off.  Leah has a fantastic voice and the solo vocals were very impressive, well done.  Phoebus, played by Tony Eccles has a perfect “Hero Vocal” his voice was very well suited to his character and his acting was really strong.  Claude Frollo was played by Iain Dixon and was handled very well.  This character that struggles with the turmoil of looking after Quasimodo, running the cathedral and falling for the young Esmerelda, clearly fighting internal demons, this “baddie” really was impressive! Well done Iain! Leaving Jonathan Sleight as Quasimodo, this is not an easy sing and it is a physically demanding character.  Jonathan really did perform the character very well.  His vocals were top class and his character was well acted throughout.

To finish, all I can say is that the standing ovation from the audience around me was very well deserved and I thoroughly enjoyed myself watching this very impressive piece of Theatre!  Well Done.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.