"The Hunchback Of Notre Dame" by Nottingham Operatic Society

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

What makes a monster and what makes a man? This is the central theme of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", a sweeping, grand-scale musical from Disney. Based on the 1996 Disney film and Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" tells the story of Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bell-ringer of Notre Dame, and his desire to one day be a part of the outside world. 

When he summons the courage to attend the Feast of Fools, he meets Esmeralda, a compassionate gypsy who protects him from an angry mob. But at the same time, Quasimodo’s master, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, and the new captain of the guard, Phoebus de Martin, fall in love with the beautiful gypsy girl. Adding to Quasimodo’s struggle is his punishment and derision from Frollo, following years of psychological abuse, and the danger posed by the gypsies, who are willing to kill any outsiders who venture into their secret hideout. But before Paris is 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?

It's my first viewing of this musical, and if I get to see another production, they had better be as good as this one. I overheard someone behind me exclaim that they could not believe that these were amateurs. I personally could believe that they were amateurs for the simple reason that "amateur" means "for the love of" and there is an awful lot of love, passion and emotion on that stage. I do, however understand what they meant because the quality of this production could be misconstrued for a West End Show.

Zak Charlesworth plays Quasimodo. Every time I see Zak on stage, he just gets better and better. He not only sings with such emotion, he is able to act with the same level of emotion. His voice gave me goosebumps on several occasions this afternoon. He takes his performance to another level altogether here and it's a mystery as to why he has not been headhunted by someone like Cameron Mackintosh because his acting and vocal performances are of West End standard. He has the ability to shroud himself in the character and live the life of the outcasted and belittled Quasimodo for a few hours on stage, and he makes you feel for his character.

Dom Claude Frollo is played by Simon Theobald, another actor who makes you believe in the character he plays. Simon's voice is also packed with power and emotion of a different kind to that of Quasimodo. This pairing is one made for musical theatre heaven. Around this time of year there are normally album releases from well-known pairing of tenors for the Christmas market; Boe and Ball, Jones and Watson - this year I'd love an album from Charlesworth and Theobold because their voices blend so wonderfully in this show.

Esmerelda, the gypsy girl who is the centre of the love triangle between Frollo and Phoebus, is played by Sarah Thompson. Sarah is another point of the pentagon of perfection in Hunchback. She is sassy but also has sentiment in her heart as she sticks up for Quasimodo, who in turn returns the favour, against Frollo's wishes. Another actor with an incredible voice, I could watch and listen to her all day. And she makes a wonderful Disney Princess.

Clopin Trouillefou is played by Chris Grantham. Clopin is the man who at first seems to be on the wrong side of the tracks, but then again that's looking at it from Frollo's view. In reality he is one of the good guys. A bit like a gypsy king who is forever looking out for his gypsy kingdom. Another wonderful piece of character acting, and he also has a powerful voice to match.

Captain Phoebus de Martin is played by Richard Groves, and here again, when we first meet this character, he comes across as a bit of a slimeball; he certainly gets off on the wrong foot with Esmerelda, but then that playa image is peeled back and we see that he is also one of the good guys, but working under the guidance of if Frollo. But does he follow his heart or his head. Whichever way he chooses, he could lose the other. This group have been blessed with so many powerful singers and Richard is yet another one of them.

The cast size for the show is massive with smaller character roles, narrators, the ensemble and two groups of choir members, altogether totalling about fifty in the complete cast. Unfortunately, I don't have room to mention every single one of them, but what a cast!

Directed by Andrew Miller, who is new, I believe to Nottingham Operatic, but if he can produce this quality, he can come back every year. Andrew is also responsible for the beautiful choreography in this show.

Musical Director is Morven Harrison, and if I didn't know any better, I'd have thought that we were listening to the recorded soundtrack, the quality of sound from that nineteen-piece orchestra was simply gorgeous. The opening piece "Olim" and "The Bells Of Notre Dame" are stunning and send chills through your body.

The Sound Design by Michael Donoghue had a few little hiccups throughout, but I am sure that the evening performance and every performance henceforth will be completely faultless. Apart from the hiccups, another classy sound design that helped to provide those chills.

Lighting Design by Tom Mowatt was as always perfect. The lighting really gives atmosphere to the story. Beautifully lit.

The gorgeous set is provided by Scenic Projects, and as soon as you get into the Theatre Royal auditorium, it hits you straight between the eyes. This is one of the best sets that I've seen on this stage for a very long while, and that stained glass window id awesome.

The music by Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz is sublime with numbers like "Out There", "Top Of The World", "Made Of Stone", "Heaven's Light" and "God Help The Outcasts" are worth coming to see this show alone.

The costumes for this period piece are just so good, you need to see them to get the real effect form them. Linda Croston being the wardrobe mistress.

I've been looking forward to this show for a while now and it certainly exceeded all of what I'd expected from it with the passion and emotion within the story and the performances from everyone on stage. The standing ovation for this group was richly deserved, and that's just the matinee!

"The Hunchback Of Notre Dame" will be at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 29 October.