After a long period out of the spotlight, Colchester Operatic Society are thrilled to announce that we will be performing again for audiences at the revamped Colchester Mercury Theatre from 27th January – 6th February 2022.
We are so excited to announce our next show, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, a musical based on the Victor Hugo novel and including the songs and Academy Award-nominated score from the Disney animated feature, along with new songs by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz.
The musical tells the story of Quasimodo, the bell-ringer of Notre Dame, who longs to be Out There with all of fifteenth-century Paris. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd at the Feast of Fools, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsies – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all!
Let Colchester Operatic Society sweep you away with the magic of this truly unforgettable musical as they perform this powerful story and fill the stage with beautiful choral harmonies. This local amateur dramatic company are well known for producing professional quality shows and are excited to be back on the Mercury stage after performing Oliver! in collaboration with the Mercury in Autumn 2019 at The Mercury at Abbey Fields.
Quasimodo is a big hearted but shy character who brings to life the bells and gargoyles of the Cathedral and becomes an unlikely hero in the story. We will be telling Quasimodo’s story through two Counterparts – an Acting/Signing role and a Singing / Speaking role.
For the Acting role we have cast deaf actor Jestin Bartlett to lead us in the story using sign language. He will be joined by our singing actor, Sean Hynes, who will work alongside him and sing the operatic score of the show. In addition to having the part of Quasimodo signed, we will also have the whole show fully signed on two performances – Saturday 29th January Matinee (2.30pm) and Thursday 3rd February 7.30pm.
Our two Quasimodos have been working brilliantly together to produce truly moving songs and scenes that bring the character alive on stage.
