THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME: A NEW MUSICAL

Stoke Repertory Theatre

BASED on the 1831 novel by Victor Hugo, with songs from the Disney film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame tells the story of bellringer Quasimodo and his desire to one day be a part of the outside world.

Tristan Hood as Quasimodo truly shone throughout as he grew in confidence, giving real depth to the character.

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).

She is a gypsy girl who protects him from an angry mob.

Kayleigh Ann lit up the stage from the moment she stepped onto it.

So much so that Quasimodo’s master, the scheming Archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo (Steve Beattie) and the new captain of the guard, Phoebus de Martin (Sam Hands) are both so captivated by her engaging performance that they fall in love with this 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 as he uses his position for his own corrupt desires. Steve Beattie encompassed the loathsome archbishop’s character.

Director James Freeman did a fantastic job, making great use of the multi-level set and great Disney songs.

I particularly liked In A Place Of Miracles, featuring Quasimodo, Esmeralda, Captain and Clopin. It was lit to perfection.

The whole show gathered pace towards the crescendo, before the deranged archbishop 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. The very impressive full cast took on multiple roles with aplomb.

Choreographer Gareth Ridge – not content with creating superb dance movement, especially during the gypsy dance numbers Rhythm Of The Tambourine and Topsy Turvy – also played Clopin Trouillefou, the gypsy king. He had a great voice and attention to detail.

The sound was crisp and clear, with the odd marginally late fader. But with a large cast with dialogue, it is never an easy task. Thoughtful lighting also bathed the scenes to great visual effect.

Superb storytelling, perfectly cast, a vibrant and lively show, The Hunchback of Notre Dame runs until today at Stoke Rep.

For tickets go to https:// www.ticketsource.co.uk/ newcastleoperatic