The Hunchback of Notre Dame

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME is a new musical based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film.   This was a magnificent piece of musical theatre; a large-scale production with a cast of 158.    This was an ambitious choice with technical challenges but the show was bursting with talent and each of the principals had their chance to shine.    The action moved from the medieval world of the famous belltower in Paris to the Gypsies’ lair.   It is morally ambiguous and complex.  Quasimodo wants to see the outside world and at the Feast of Fools he meets the enigmatic Esmeralda who shows him kindness which eventually lead to her downfall.

The set was excellent, multi-purpose and the action moved swiftly between scenes.    The backdrop was an awesome stained-glass window.   The props were impressive and well used. The sword fighting was admirable and was well choreographed.   

The costumes were numerous and colourful.    With the size of the cast and the amazing array of colours, the group scenes were a mouth-watering feast for the eyes. The statues, with individual statue heads, were realistic as the moved with the actors. These were based on the saints of Notre Dame rather than the gargoyles.

The lighting was effective and well controlled.  There was use of smoke which created the gothic atmosphere and flashing lights when necessary were used to good effect and enhanced the visual spectacle.  Sound:  The cast were supported by the Community Orchestra and Choir.   This vocal weight combined with the orchestra created a strong and powerful sound. The singers produced some beautiful harmonies and were in time with one another and the musical accompaniment which was of the highest standard. 

The opening number and procession through the auditorium of some of the cast was spine tingling and set the atmosphere for the evening.     With a very strong cast, pitch perfect singing this was powerfully genuine storytelling at its best.   It is impossible to single anyone out; the cast were all fully involved, prepared to perfection and provided us with polished performances.        The creative team, led by Mariltisa Alexiou should be enormously proud of this terrific evening of true ensemble work.    It’s a complex story and left the audience thoughtful and pensive as well as wanting to stand up and cheer. All in all, a memorable and massively enjoyable and rewarding evening.

 

 

 

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