The Hunchback of Notre Dame
★★★★☆ Terrific ensemble
The Edinburgh Academy (Venue 70): Thu 8 – Sat 17 Aug 2024
Review by Hugh Simpson
Captivate’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Edinburgh Academy is an imposing production, full of fine singing and acting.
The musical – music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Peter Parnell – is not a well known one. Originally envisaged as a stage version of the Disney film, it then reverted to the plot of Hugo’s original novel. The result is often awkwardly poised between Disney and downbeat and has so far never made it to Broadway. The narrative is peculiar at times, with the climax being the epitome of telling rather than showing.
A scene from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Pic Captivate
If it does not always convince as a coherent whole, there are obvious resonances, not least when Frollo the villainous cleric rages against immigrants and talks about ‘taking back our city’ – which he proposes to do by setting it on fire.
Frollo is played on this occasion by Stephen Donaldson (understudying for Aidan McGrath) who proves to have a strong voice, dramatic presence and convincingly conflicted air.
Similarly, Kieran Butler (understudying for Hamish Coles as guard captain Phoebus) has a touching vulnerability and tunefulness.
a performance of real sympathy
The Quasimodo of Joseph Hart (who shares the role with Alex Fraser) is exceptionally impressive. Embodying the role both physically and emotionally, and with a rare knack for expressing drama through song, this is a performance of real sympathy.
Camila Lopez as Esmeralda is also very fine, with a strong presence and a praiseworthy melodic sense. Matthew Juniosa is magnetic as Clopin, the leader of the Roma.
A scene from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Pic Captivate
These named roles are backed up by a large ensemble whose talents are well used by director Sally Lyall, whose use of the acting area is first class. Keigan Hawthorn’s lighting is extremely dramatic, and the band (under musical directors Colum Findlay and Fraser Hume) are forceful.
The mixed nature of the music does make for some less secure moments. Added to the more Hollywood numbers are some decidedly strident ones, with the end of the first half seeming to be signalled several times before it comes. Occasionally, in the numbers where the chorus get a couple of lines each to tell the story, some of them want to seize their chance by being more prominent than anyone else in terms of emphasis and volume.
sound balance
This is not helped by some problems with sound balance. The band is dominated by spangly keyboards, and at times the overall effect verges on the harsh. In a space that is already uncomfortably stifling, this does not always make for a pleasant experience.
This tale of intolerance in the musical should not necessarily be an easy watch, however, and it is certainly done justice by this remarkable group of performers.
Running time: Two hours and 15 minutes (including one interval)
Edinburgh Academy, 42 Henderson Row, EH3 5BL (Venue 70)
Fri 2 – Sat 17 August 2024
Daily at 3pm
Tickets and details: Book here.
Captivate Theatre links
Website: http://www.captivatetheatre.com/
Instagram: @captivatetheatre
Facebook: @captivatetheatre
X: @Captivate_LTD
A scene from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Pic Captivate
ENDS
