The Hunchback of Notre Dame

I had never seen Hunchback before and oh my god I'm glad I did. This was such an amazing production from an incredible company. I was blown away by the vocals and acting on the stage and was left actually sobbing by the final notes which I do NOT do at shows!! I went on the last night and was gutted it meant I couldn't go again. I saw this company's production of Phantom too and I am convinced they couldn't put on a bad show if they tried. Incredible.

This was a fabulous musical, the best one I saw - so glad I managed to find a slot to fit it in my schedule

Amazing show. I was amazed and emotional all the time.

Amazing show, the cast were so good with amazing voices. I enjoyed it so much I ended up booking Phantom by the same company! The guy who played Frollo should be in the West End

Absolutely amazing! The level of talent in this production from everyone involved was unreal! Such strong performers and amazing professionalism throughout! I saw a professional version of this musical last year and it was nowhere near the breathtaking standard of this one! I laughed, I cried and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing! Can’t wait to see more from this group.

I came to see this last year and was absolutely blown away. I brought my brother and his fiancé to see it this year and it was even better. This is a production and a cast that deserve to be in major theatres in front of huge audiences. An absolute gem of a musical with a score that is up there with the very best and a message that is so powerful given the state of the world we live in. If there are any producers out there, get this production out there to the masses. You are all incredible, thank you so much.

I absolutely loved this - everything about it was phenomenal, and the choreography and harmonies were brilliant. Definitely my favourite fringe show of the year!

The costuming was fantastic, the main cast were amazing and the ensemble were so talented, truly an incredible experience and I’d recommend it to anyone.

WHAT A SHOW!! A next level triumph for Captivate! A professional production in every aspect, befitting of the West End. The ensemble vocals were thrilling and powerful, the costumes visually stunning, Sally Lyall's direction captivating. The talent on stage and quality of this outstanding production rivals anything I've ever seen at the Fringe and deserves to be seen by as many as possible - prepare to be astounded! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Absolutely phenomenal. The whole theater was laughing and sobbing along with the cast. This is one of my favorite musicals and this production did not disappoint.

I’ve had an eye on the reviews all week and there have been a few references to a “wall of sound” - they weren’t wrong! Feel incredibly lucky to experience this cast in a venue of this size - they really wouldn’t be amiss on a far larger stage. The simple staging and clever lighting were so effective throughout. Each and every member of the entire cast has such talent - even those with only a handful of solo lines delivered them perfectly. Some brilliantly funny parts too - enjoyed King Louis! Particular congratulations to Alex Fraser as Quasimodo - such a vulnerability in the character and power in the solos, you had us all in bits by the end. A joy to watch and a very worthy instant (and full) standing ovation at the end.

A fantastic emotional performance on 16th, didnt seem there was a dry eye in the house ! Esmeralda's haunting gypsy portrayal and stellar note-perfect Quasimodo on his way to the West End surely? Really hard to remember that this is amateur...
Well done the whole cast, musical ensemble, well done Captivate.

Oh my word!!! I’m speechless. What an incredible show. I went to see this show on my friends recommendation. I had zero expectations as I barely knew the story line. A musical in the afternoon felt weird too. By the time the cast had finished their first number I was captivated!! They were incredible. The standard of their performances was as good as any west end show I’ve seen! I can tell you this there was not a dry eye in the house at the end and the standing ovation from the whole auditorium was instant. This is one show that I will be raving about for quite some time! Well done to everyone involved.

A truly stellar show! A host of performers of the highest calibre, bedecked in gorgeous costumes and carrying out very clever staging to perfection. Producing a vocal symphony which was one minute rousing & epic, and the next heartbreaking and solemn, this is a cast and crew fully deserving each accolade showered upon them. Each contributor to this magnificent production deserves to be on the most glittering West End stage!

WOW what a brilliant show. Saw Alex Fraser as Quasimodo, loved how he played him with such innocence and vulnerability. Frollo was fantastic, his vocals were sublime. The real stars of the show in my eyes were the magnificent ensemble. Each and everyone were fantastic. Girl with the blonde hair and 4 braids was especially eye-catching.

16th August 2024 3pm
An excellent ensemble.
The vocals were rich.
I want to praise the supporting characters (the stones and gypsies) because they sounded beautiful.
This is the best theatre experience I've ever had.
Thank you for the excellent performance.

Beautiful performance. Incredible vocals which created a brilliant wall of sound that was chilling and enchanting. Performers were strong and engaging. The Quasimodo and Phoebus were great, as well as many members of the ensemble, but the highest stand out to me was the Esmeralda. She was incredibly captivating and exciting to watch. Brought tears to my eyes. These performers have bright futures. Run to see this show!

Saw the show on the 16th and was amazed! Did not expect such a tightly staged and cast show to blow me away so thoroughly.

The weeping in the back seats was testament to the tragedy the cost managed to convey, but more surprising were the moments of levity both planned and unplanned which brought the characters to life with a playfulness I didn't expect.

The casting was incredible, with the ensemble especially deserving a commendation for their great work seamlessly bringing a multitude of distinct roles to life with efficiency. Frollo especially must be commended for his vocal performance.

All in all incredible work, will be coming back soon!

Saw the show on the 15th. Quasimodo was excellent (singing, acting, stage presence)!!! Frollo's singing was enjoyable. Phoebus and Clopin too. Esmeralda was beautiful, charming, and a good dancer, but her singing was terrible. I think it's important to pick an Esmeralda that can sing as well as dance bec. she sings a lot of the songs.

The casting gods were clearly with whomever got this AMAZINGLY talented group of people together!! :-D I saw Phantom last week and thought there’s no way this could compare - how wrong! The musical talent is phenomenal, totally committed performances, simply and beautifully staged with perfect costumes. I think we saw Lewis Kerr (Ass. Dir) understudy (Thurs) as Quasimodo who was beyond FANTASTIC with a lovely, honey-rich singing voice and no doubt, as I’m sure all the cast, a fruitful career ahead of them. I’m totally hooked by Captivate Theatre!

Wow. I didn’t think I could be blown away by this production again, having seen it last year, but boy was I wrong! This ensemble provide a masterclass in vocal blending, accompanied by a tight, pitch perfect live band.

Quasimodo is portrayed beautifully. Vulnerable and sweet, yet with moments of rousing inner (and outer) strength. Frollo provides buttery, spine-tingling bass vocals and has a formidable presence. Phoebus and Esmeralda’s chemistry is palpable and their moments together are truly beautiful, bringing a tear to the eye.

This is a piece in which every ensemble member is crucial in keeping it seamless and there is not a single weak link in this cast. Everyone is completely committed, letting you feel safe in their hands.

The staging is Captivate’s signature style of simple, yet extremely effective. They prove every time that even the biggest spectacle of a musical can be stripped right back and still be spectacular in its own right.

A truly stellar afternoon of entertainment. Catch this show while you still can. It would be a huge shame to miss it!

A superb production from a cast full of talent and enthusiasm. I wasn't aware of this show but went along as a bit of a punt. My wife and I were blown away by the whole .

The main parts were performed with great emotion and sincerity, with some exceptional voices too. The ensemble brought the whole story to life, switching roles deftly and again singing beautifully.

The staging was simple but inventive, and the whole show was a powerful and satisfying experience.

Highly recommended.

I was blown away by this production from the minute it started, leaving me in tears at the end. Fabulous harmonies and wonderful character acting. What a show! Don’t miss an opportunity to witness it.

Captivate is back with The Hunchback of Notre Dame and, once again, they do not disappoint. This stellar cast brings you a story that you think you know well, with a masterclass in ensemble blending, until the show begins and you're left in wonder. From Quasimodo belting Made of Stone to Captain Pheobus and Esmeralda's beautiful Someday, these performers are proving that Captivate is something much deeper and grander than "amateur".

Absolutely fantastic. Do not miss this brilliant show. Totally gripping story and characters. Fabulous music and singing. I've never heard such tight 16 part harmonies. If this is the only show you go to see, you will be totally blown away. Wow!

This is a wonderful show. Vibrant,moving,an outstanding cast.
The ensemble singing is a pure joy. Outstanding singing and acting from all the leads.
Loved it.

Absolutely phenomenal! Such a beautiful show with great actors and singers. Every single person in the cast has an incredible voice with a special focus on the main actors playing the Hunchback and Frollo. Truly a beautiful performance that everyone in the family will enjoy.

Epic! Really enjoyed this gem. A real range and depth of talents. For me, the stand out actor with a great voice and presence was Hamish Coles as Phoebus.

Absolutely phenomenal! I was completely blown away by this show.. it is a must see! I cried, I laughed, I cried again… and again.. and once more for luck! A truly wonderful performance from all involved (on and off stage!). Thank you all so much!

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is by far my favourite musical so being able to see a production was already a dream come true.

Even before the first song had finished I was enthralled by the incredible voices of the cast and knew I was in for a real treat. By the end both the Cast and a significant portion of the audience were brought to tears and the finale received an instant (and rightly earned) standing ovation.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (a must see!!!)

The most incredible show, I am stunned by how wonderful this production was. Well deserved standing ovation. Particular praise goes to the actor who played Frollo - wow! I think they, and many others of this cast, have a wonderful theatrical career ahead of them if they choose to pursue it. All the best for the rest of the run. I saw the show on Tuesday 13th.

I can't even begin to describe the musical, it left me out of words, speechless and because I wasn't able to clap, I{ve broken my left wrist, I was screaming WOOOOO all the time.
Congratulations to the producers and amazing performers!
BRAVO, BRAVO AND BRAVOOOOO!

Really enjoyed Joseph Hart’s performance.

The best show without professional credit I have ever seen. If you’re in Edinburgh, this is the show to see. A special mention to Alex Fraser who, without a doubt, gave the best performance I have ever seen in amateur dramatic show. This show has it all, goosebumps, laughs and tears. Book your tickets whilst you can.

An absolutely incredible show - so powerful, so moving. A true ensemble performance with all the lead performances stunningly executed. Thank you for an amazing, inspiring afternoon. Alex Fraser is certainly one to watch after his astonishing performance as Quasimodo.

After reading previous reviews, I expected this show to be good but I didn’t quite expect it to be as good as it was. The leads were all incredible, notes were never missed, and the acting was naturalistic and believable throughout but what impressed me the most was the ensemble. They were all completely in the moment and there wasn’t a weak player amongst them. An ensemble can make or break a show like this, and in this instance, they highlighted the story telling and sang some of the most beautiful choral harmonies I’ve ever heard! The musical director for this show should be praised for doing such an exceptional job.

Outstanding. With a basic set, they rely solely on their performances to deliver an engaging story. The vocals from all the cast members blew me away; their rendition of Bells of Notre Dame gave me goosebumps. I've seen many Captivate shows over the years and they never fail to disappoint.

Experienced MD here - this is an incredible amateur production that almost achieves professionalism in a few areas. Namely the leads either have professional quality or are almost there.

The performance I saw had an understudy for Esmerelda - she did fantastically. Lovely mix-belt.

To be honest previous reviews do a good job at expressing the good so I will offer a few slight criticisms.

I’m being harsh because otherwise the vocals were just that good; I think the leads should have sung with more neutral accents. Some of the accents in the leads lead to occasional bad vowel shaping which only slightly hampered the beauty of the singing already present.

I think occasionally speech was lost over the sound of either other people singing or the timpani (though the band as a whole was well mixed).

Props to the cello and flute - I felt they had nice tone quality and tuning. And of course the keys who never missed a bit.

The direction was pretty good but I felt that the direction of Judge Frollo could have been pushed even further. That said the current performance was effective and beautifully sung.

Overall very very impressed. Quasimodo had impeccable technique - throughly enjoyed his singing.

I saw this show last year and when I heard that it's coming back I got really excited.
Last time watched it alone, this time came with friends.
And by the end we were all in tears.
Lewis Kerr's performance as Quassimodo is just simply beyond, it's flawless, it's perfect.
And the ensemble is extremely strong. Because they are on stage all the time it requires great focus.
But the harmonies, the acting is all beautifully presented.
Direction is spot on.
I wish they would take it on tour!
Thanks again for the wonderful experience!

An excellent musical that can hold it's own against many West End and Broadway productions! We thought the vocals of Quasimodo (whose acting is simply brilliant!) and Esmeralda were good, and Frollo was excellent. What surprised us was the vocal quality of the ensemble - together, they delivered incredibly powerful vocals worthy of the best ensembles! 6/5 - a must-see! Although one of the further venues (30 minutes by bus from the Royal Mile), you cannot afford to miss this!

I rarely leave reviews, but after experiencing Captivate's production of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", I feel compelled to share my thoughts.

Words alone cannot capture the sheer brilliance and perfection of this performance. Each member of the cast brought an extraordinary level of dedication and skill to the stage, leaving the audience not only overjoyed but utterly captivated (pun completely intended). The vocal performances were particularly breathtaking, with the lead sopranos delivering some of the most exquisite singing I have ever heard. Among them, the blonde-haired soprano stood out, giving a performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. Her impeccable control and range were awe-inspiring, and it was clear that she was pouring her heart into every note.

This was a production of unparalleled passion and talent, and I would be remiss not to see it again.

Saw this on Friday 9th.A fantastic performance.So professionally delivered.Excellent sound & outstanding acting.
Definitely worth the watching.Would thoroughly recommend

Wow! Saw Captivate Theatre's musical "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" this afternoon (13th August). I cannot praise this production enough. If you want to see outstanding performances, great/sympathetic direction, hear accomplished musicians and listen to the absolutely amazing voices of the actors, then you need to see this show. I had to count the number of performers in the show several times as I actually couldn't believe the phenomenal, beautiful and powerful singing from this cast. Outstanding! I need to give a special mention for the actor playing Quasimodo as they were totally outstanding. They gave such a multifaceted, emotional and powerful performance, whilst delivering perfect, beautiful vocals as they moved around the different levels of the stage with fantastic gymnastic ability. I was in absolute awe of their talent, which is definitely of a very high West End/Broadway standard. Esmeralda was played by an understudy today and they absolutely delivered a fantastic performance of the character. Their vocals, acting, comic timing, dancing and emotional performance was totally captivating. I was extremely impressed by the other principal characters Frollo, Phoebus and Clopin. Frollo's vocal performance in Hellfire is fabulous. Phoebus and Clopin gave very strong performances, had great presence, and both absolutely delivered on the vocals too. The wall of sound when the entire cast of actors were singing together was phenomenal and so powerful. I honestly don't think I've ever heard better and I've seen a great deal of musical theatre over many years. The blend of voices was totally perfect and the sound created throughout the entire show was beautiful. If you hadn't already shed a tear, the soaring, gorgeous, operatic vocals of the soprano at the end will ensure that you do. Absolutely stunning! The message delivered in this show is also so relevant now in the world that we are living in today. The actors gave their all on that stage and this was evident in the powerful, flawless and emotionally charged performances from the entire cast. I urge you to get tickets, if you still can, to this absolute highlight of the Fringe. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed. The audience gave an extremely well deserved instant standing ovation at today's performance, and, according to others there, have done so at every performance. I have already bought tickets to see this five star show again before it ends this Fringe and highly recommend that you do too. Well done Captivate Theatre! I will definitely be back.

A fantastic show, the singing and music was really impressive, the quality of the direction and choreography was at a high standard,the performance was very enjoyable indeed.

Absolutely stunning show! Amazing vocals and captivating costumes! Well worth a watch!

I can genuinely say with my hand on my heart that this is *by far* one of (if not THE) best show I’ve ever seen. The cast was perfection. Hunchback has one of the most mesmerising voices I’ve heard, the high note in “made of stone”- sung by Quasimodo made me rethink my entire life. Claude frollò was cast magnificently and had a magical voice. The gypsy king portrayed his role perfectly and absolutely DEMOLISHED some of the best high notes in the show. I would expect to pay hundreds of pounds to see something of this standard. Thank you so much to the producers, directors, tech team, cast and musicians for such a mesmerising performance. It (quite literally) took my breath away. Goosebumps, literal chills.
(Based off of the 12th of Augusts show)

Seen the show yesterday, what an absolute powerhouse. Massive shoutout to the two understudies who went on. Kieran as Phoebus was just a pleasure to watch, the vocals were spot on and the acting choices were perfectly chosen. Stephen as Frollo was a very intimidating presence on the stage and had very impressive vocals. The ensemble for the show leave nothing to be desired. The top sopranos are a show within themselves.

Incredible show! Highly recommend!!

You would not think this was an amateur theatre production. It was absolutely a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, Quasimodo and Esmarelda performances were inspired. Special shout out to Frollo and Phebus who were being played by the understudies , Frollos depth of singing and emotional performance was outstanding. Ensemble supported the principals really well and made their presence felt throughout the whole show.
A 5 star show not to be missed

Yesterday Saturdays (10/08/24) I attended this production as I was gifted a ticket by my friend for my birthday. To say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement, this is a show that I would see on the west end. The actors were beyond incredible.
I was quite impressed by the young man playing Frollo. Firstly his voice was perfectly matched for his role as Frollo and I feel was perfectly cast, his stage presence made his performance unforgettable. This young man needs to be on the big stages!
I would also like to give a shoutout to the actors playing Quasimodo and Clopin. Both again very talented actors, whenever they were on stage I was mesmerised.
You are missing out if you do not buy a ticket to this show. I for one would see this show again.

It was amazing I was shocked what happens in the ending it was a sad ending I loved the songs and the story the theatre was so roasting they should have air conditioning the actors were amazing I enjoyed it!

STUNNING show.

Top quality performance from the cast. This show is ALL about the music and the voice. The wall of sound created by the cast hits you for six.

Couldn’t recommend this show highly enough!!

Congratulations to all involved

Outstanding! From the second the show begins you are blown away by the sound of the cast!

There are many talented actors amongst the cast who all sound incredible. I saw the show last year and decided to come and see the show again and was not disappointed. If you spend your money to see this production you will be met by some voices that I have no doubt will make their way to the west end.
A special shout out to the actors who play Frollo and Clopin. Their performance was nothing short of phenomenal.

Please if you have chance get yourself a ticket to this show!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This show is worth seeing just for the lead actor playing Quasimodo, who gives a truly transcendent performance that convinced me from the get-go that he will one day shine on the West End. His voice is stellar, his acting is top-notch, and he evokes the perfect balance of affection and pathos from the audience. I was sitting there the whole time in awe of what he did.

The fact that the rest of the show is also great is a good incentive, too! :) Well done to all the cast and creatives involved. This magnificent musical doesn't get anywhere near the attention it deserves, and I'm so glad I saw it!

This has everything a musical should have: powerful singing, emotional moments which had the audience in tears and a strong storyline performed at a fast pace. This isn't Disney; much darker and deeper. The cast and the instrumentalists were fantastic. This was my second Captivate produced musical, and I would recommend seeing any of their productions based on these two: truly professional productions.

Attended the opening show. What a fabulous show, loved the choreography and interpretation. The hunchback was incredible, beautiful voice and played the role so gently. Well done to the whole cast, thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

Saw today and it was excellent. Strong voices and characters acted with great skill and some subtle comedy that brought giggles when not expected. So many great parts Ezmeralda was both captivating and very human and the girl with the glasses - beautiful voice, brought a tear but I could easily say something stand out about each person on stage. Loved the equality of the final bow, all people together were part of creating such a vibrant atmosphere.

Incredible! We sat there in an "amateur production" but had our jaws dropped most of the time. We really like the musical "The hunchback of Notre Dame" and the group delivered to the maximum. The voices, the acting, the orchestra were on top. And at the end just as we were already mindblown there came a young opera voice singing the last lines ending with the full choir. At some points we asked ourselves if this is not already completely professional.

WOWOWOWOW! Seeing this show for the second year running - absolutely outstanding!

MY HEART. This show just makes you feel things. Literally every cast member was amazing, the music was fantastic and the staging was dynamic. When the ensemble sang together I had shivers. Even though we saw this last year, it was different enough for us to still enjoy it whilst keeping to the same high standard we expected - and we still got our emotions played with, despite knowing what happens. Absolutely stunning.

Wow, wow, wow!! We were blown away by the opening night performance! The cast were absolutely fabulous, from the leads to the ensemble, and you could feel the emotion both on stage and in the audience. The music, the singing the whole thing was mesmerising from start to finish and we really didn’t want the show to end. Totally captivating!! Congrats to all involved both on and offstage, and if you are looking for a really fabulous live experience we would highly recommend it!! PS… bring your tissues!!!

Absolutely fantastic show. Classic Disney songs, plus some originals. Cast members were great, the actor playing Frollo was perfect.

Just been to see The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Fantastic show with excellent performances by all. Particularly impressive was Alex Fraser who had the lead part of Quasimodo. I thoroughly recommend it. 5*