Review: Notre Dame De Paris - London Coliseum ✭✭✭✭
Notre Dame De Paris
London Coliseum
Review by Caroline Cronin
For a limited run of 7 shows (4 left at the time of writing), Notre Dame de Paris has stormed into The London Coliseum with an explosion of energy to tell a dramatic story of desire.
Entirely sung through in its original French language, this is a production where understanding the lyrics is not essential to the viewing experience. Much like any opera, the movement and delivery of the rock score is enough to transcend Notre Dame de Parisfrom being just-another-musical, to something other-wordly. (There are subtitles present for those who prefer a more literal execution)
Angelo Del Vecchio is the tragically tortured Quasimodo, with soaringly powerful vocals that fill the air with depair…and hope. Opposite Hiba Tawaji’s Esmerelda, the two make an enchanting pair. Esmerelda’s other male admirers – Richard Charest as Gringoire and Martin Giroux as Phoebus – embrace the anthemic rock score with vigour, and give commanding performances.
With a B-plot that tackles the themes of immigrants seeking asylum, this is a story that feels incredibly relevant to a modern audience in many ways…although this part of the plot feels underdeveloped.
Christian Ratz’s set design is strikingly (and presumably intentionally) simplistic, acting as a vehicle for the performers – particularly the acrobats – to showcase their extraordinary skills as they become moving set parts themselves. Combine this with Martino Muller’s choreography, and it offers more impact that any elaborate props ever could.
Notre Dame de Parisis a deeply moving and profoundly sexual retelling of Victor Hugo’s novel, which is far-removed from the Disney version that most are familiar with, and unlike anything else you’ll see in town. Grab a ticket before it’s too late.
With a B-plot that tackles the themes of immigrants seeking asylum, this is a story that feels incredibly relevant to a modern audience in many ways…although this part of the plot feels underdeveloped.
Christian Ratz’s set design is strikingly (and presumably intentionally) simplistic, acting as a vehicle for the performers – particularly the acrobats – to showcase their extraordinary skills as they become moving set parts themselves. Combine this with Martino Muller’s choreography, and it offers more impact that any elaborate props ever could.
Notre Dame de Parisis a deeply moving and profoundly sexual retelling of Victor Hugo’s novel, which is far-removed from the Disney version that most are familiar with, and unlike anything else you’ll see in town. Grab a ticket before it’s too late.
Four stars ✭✭✭✭
Listings Info
London Coliseum
St Martin's Lane
London
WC2N 4ES
DATES
Wednesday 23 – Sunday 27 January 2019
BOOKING ONLINE
www.londoncoliseum.org
TELEPHONE BOOKING
020 7845 9300
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Wednesday 23 January, 2pm & 7pm
Thursday 24 January, 7.30pm
Friday 25 January, 7.30pm
Saturday 26 January, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Sunday 27 January, 1pm
TICKETS
£15 to £125 (all preview tickets £50)
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook:@NotreDameDeParisOfficial
Twitter: @NotreDameLondon
#NotreDameLondon
