The Hunchback of Notre Dame

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

A New Musical

Based on the 1831novel by Victor Hugo’s, with songs from the Disney film, Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics from Stephen Schwartz and Book by Peter Parnell.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame tells the story of Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bellringer of Notre Dame, and his desire to one day be a part of the outside world; Out There, beautifully sang and portrayed by the amazing young talent that is Tristan Hood. He truly shone throughout growing with confidence, giving real depth to the character, a very thoughtful performance.

Talking with his animated stone gargoyle friends in the bell tower, Quasimodo summons the courage to attend the Feast of Fools, he meets compassionate free spirit Esmeralda, a stunning performance from Kayleigh Ann Strong; a gypsy girl who protects him from an angry mob, she lit up the stage from the moment she stepped onto it. So much so, Quasimodo’s master, the scheming Archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, Steve Beattie and the new captain of the guard, Phoebus de Martin, Sam Hands; both so captivated by her engaging performance, fall in love with the beautiful girl.

Years of psychological abuse, steeped on Quasimodo from Frollo, have taken their toll, Frollo’s main obsession other than Esmeralda is the danger posed by the gypsies to the good Christian folks of Paris. This truly is a study of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man, using his position for his own corrupt desires. Steve Beattie wholly encompassed the pernicious loathsome Archdeacon’s character.

Director James Freeman's did a fantastic job, making great use of the multi-level set, great songs from Disney, beautifully presented, I particularly liked In a Place of Miracles, featuring Quasimodo, Esmeralda, Captain and Clopin was lit to perfection. The whole show gathered pace building towards the crescendo, before the deranged Archdeacon has Paris burned to the ground, will Quasimodo be able to save Esmeralda from Frollo’s lust and anger? Will she return Quasimodo’s affection? Who is the true monster of Notre Dame?

Musical Director Allison Fisher drilled her singers extremely well, she must have done as the ensemble voices and characters were scintillating, close multi-part harmonies throughout the very impressive full cast numbers, they all took on multiple roles as well with equal aplomb.

Choreographer Gareth Ridge’s not content with creating superb dance movement, especially during the gypsy dance numbers Rhythm of the Tambourine and Topsy Turvey, he also played Clopin Trouillefou the gypsy king, again a great voice and attention to detail.

Sound was spot on, crisp clear, the odd marginally late fader but with a large cast with dialogue never an easy task on opening night. Well-structured lighting, bathing the scenes to great visual effect.

Superb storytelling, perfectly cast, vibrant and lively show.

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