FOLLOWING on from the spectacular success of Shrek the Musical and Little Shop of Horrors, a new ‘monstrous’ production is being brought to the Furness stage.

Abbey Musical Society is well accustomed to dealing with monsters after performing Shrek the Musical and Little Shop of Horrors to sell-out crowds in the last 12 months.

Now, for one whole week, the society is transporting musical-goers to a monster that dwells in 15th century Paris.

This time, however, the monster may not be who we are led to believe. The Hunchback of Notre Dame features a soaring score supported by a huge ensemble choir and featured all the songs from the Disney film of the same name.

The show focuses on the title character, Quasimodo, subtly portrayed by Abbey regular Arron Wakefield, who longs for a normal existence ‘out there’ amongst the regular people of Paris.

He, however, is hidden away in the bell-tower by his pious uncle, Archbishop Frollo, portrayed by the menacingly powerful Mark Johnson.

Quasimodo’s life would be one of solitude with only his Gargoyles to keep him company if it wasn’t for the introduction of the beautiful gypsy dancer, Esmerelda (Rachael Lewis) and her new beau, battle wary Captain Phoebus (Chris Barker) who give him the courage to challenge his sanctuary and actually become less ‘monster’ and more man, though it may make you question who is worse.

The show features more than 70 performers and runs for six shows from March 13 until March 18 at the Forum. It promises to be a show not to be missed.

The show follows on from the success of Little shop of Horrors and Shrek the Musical which saw a whole host of fairy-tale creatures brought to life on the stage after years in the making. Rehearsals first began in September 2019 but the show had to be put on pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tickets for The Hunchback of Notre Dame are available on The Forum website.