The Huddersfield Light Opera Company are preparing to raise the curtain on their epic production of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ at the Lawrence Batley Theatre.
Following the triumphs of ‘Shrek the Musical’ and ‘The Little Mermaid’ and – most recently – their successful annual pantomime ‘Red Riding Hood’ the company presents the Huddersfield premiere of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ from April 22-27.
Esmerelda the beautiful free-spirited gypsy girl and Quasimodo, the deformed isolated bellringer of the cathedral appear to have little in common except both are out-casts and are perceived as monsters – she for her alleged association with witchcraft, and he with his physical appearance. In each other they find compassion, acceptance, protection and an unbreakable bond.
Laura Peters, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, is perfect in the part of the feisty Esmerelda, it is a dream role for Laura on her return to the HLOC.
Quasimodo, played by Dom Moccia the kind-hearted bell ringer, harbours a desire to experience life beyond the cathedral walls. As he navigates the complexities of the outside world and contends with the sinister Archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, Quasimodo relies on his allies – the spirited Esmeralda and his witty gargoyle companions – to bring about justice.
Musical director Scott Kitchen leads the cast in unforgettable songs, including the poignant ‘Out There.’ Joining Laura and Dom are an amazing cast featuring Craig Squance as Phoebus De Martin, Gareth Dickinson as Dom Claude Frollo, and the return of Nimi Oyeyemi playing Clopin Trouillefou, who dazzled audiences last year with his amazing rendition of ‘Under the Sea’ playing Sebastian in ‘The Little Mermaid.’
They lead a large and colourful cast of gypsies, priests, soldiers, peasants and prostitutes supported by an incredibly talented live choir and the return of a full live orchestra that combines the epic storytelling of Victor Hugo with the award-winning Disney score.
Artistic director and lighting designer Chris Brearley works his magic to bring the world of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ to life on stage alongside mesmerizing choreography by Zoë Cook and Pam Strickland.
Tickets are on sale from the Lawrence Batley Theatre box office at www.thelbt.org or call 01484 430528. Performances are daily at 7.15pm with a matinee on the Saturday at 2.15pm.
