Hunchback of Notre Dame at The Lights is a brilliant showcase of local talent, with strong leads who effortlessly tell the harrowing tale of Victor Hugo’s novel in the Disney-inspired musical.
Andover Musical Theatre Company are performing the Hunchback of Notre Dame at The Lights until Saturday, May 27 and it’s a lovely night at the theatre.
The musical has everything: Drama, romance and even a sword fight. As an added bonus, the set is impressive, with striking church windows with spooky stained-glass artwork.
With brilliant use of lighting and smoke machines, tension is created from the first second as the Hunchback of Notre Dame opens to choral singers hauntingly singing from the church windows.
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William Swinnerton shone as lead Quasimodo, the hunchbacked cathedral bell-ringer who is under the control of his guardian Archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, played by Jon Baron who was a convincing villain.
Jaysha Mae Crankshaw was effortless as the enchanting Esmeralda, who has every single man fall at her feet but truly shines in her acceptance of Quasimodo.
William and Jaysha carried the performance with their solid vocals and convincing acting, earning the audience's biggest cheers.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame ensemble is as important as the main leads, with each person narrating the story to ensure the audience keeps up with the moving tale.
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With intricate dancing, complicated props and difficult harmonies, the full cast gave a brilliant effort which was enjoyed and appreciated by the audience.
For anyone expecting the happy ending of the Disney version, unfortunately the musical leans closer towards Victor Hugo’s novel. Victor Hugo, who is famed for penning Les Misérables which is known for it’s sad ending, did not hold back when writing The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame at The Lights is running until Saturday and tickets are still available at www.thelights.org.uk
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