We’re Back!
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 . We 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.
We are so excited to announce our next show, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, from 27th January – 6th February 2022 at the Colchester Mercury Theatre.
The Bells of Notre Dame
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is 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!
– Director & Choreographer: Adam Woodhouse – Musical Director: Neil Somerville – Assistant Director: Laura Hicks –
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.
It Takes Two…
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:
-1 an acting/signing role for which for we have cast deaf actor Jestin Bartlett to lead us in the story using sign language; and
-2 a speaking/singing role. This role is fulfilled by actor, Sean Hynes, who will work alongside Jestin and sing the operatic score of the show.
Our two Quasimodos have been working brilliantly together to produce truly moving songs and scenes that bring the character alive on stage.
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.
PHOTO: JESTIN BARTLETT & SEAN HYNES ARE QUASIMODO.
CREDIT: SALLY PARKINSON
Jestin Bartlett (Quasimodo Signing Actor):
Sean Hynes (Quasimodo singing/speaking Actor):
God Help the Outcasts
As well as our Quasimodos we are excited to have cast some new faces, including Cally Kline as the bewitching Esmerelda, Keegan Featherstone as Clopin and some established COS actors, such as Wayne Setford as Frollo and Tom Pleasant as Captain Phoebus.
PHOTO: COS CAST OF THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME.
CREDIT: SALLY PARKINSON
~This really is a show not to be missed!~
“…Loads and loads of stunning choral numbers…”
“…A truly touching story…”
Neil Somerville (Musical Director):
Katie Cutmore (Chair of Colchester Operatic Society):
The Hunchback of Notre Dame will be performed from Thursday 27th January until Sunday 6th February 2022 at The Mercury Theatre, Colchester with separate captioned and signed performances
Price: £15.00 – £22.00 (inc. £1.50 ticket levy)
For Press Enquires contact marketing@colchesteroperaticsociety.co.uk
