AUDIENCES were treated to one of the first fully staged versions of new musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame when Island Savoyards were granted the licence to perform it at Shanklin Theatre.

In safe hands with the 50-year-old theatre group, the Savs threw everything they had at it, from lavish costumes to incredible set — I loved the bells of Notre Dame and the 'live' gargoyles.

The story was based on the Victor Hugo novel and the music was from the Disney film, but altogether it is a dark tale boldly told.

The cast was directed by Anthony Wright with huge attention to detail, with wonderful choreography by Jake Alabaster.

The orchestra, led by Andrew Woodford, was in full view — a welcome sight to remind us of the joy of live theatre after our recent drought.

The story, of course, centres around the hunchback himself, Quasimodo. Daniel Farmer played him with such an enchanting sweetness and vulnerability, we were all in his corner from the very start. A physically demanding role, Daniel is likely suffering for his art after the complex movements he has had to achieve as the misunderstood hero.

Isle of Wight County Press: Daniel Farmer as the Hunchback of Notre Dame by The Island Savoyards. Pictures by Rodger Hooper.Daniel Farmer as the Hunchback of Notre Dame by The Island Savoyards. Pictures by Rodger Hooper.

A very strong and passionate performance came from Steve Jones as Dom Claude Frollo (what a voice!) who seemed pleasantly taken aback when he got a huge boo at the curtain call — he knew for sure he had done his job well as the villain.

Blue Brown, otherwise known as a vocalist in popular Island band Lucid, here transformed into passionate and fiery gypsy girl Esmeralda with a heart of gold — a role that demanded a range of emotions, ably portrayed.

All the main cast were in fine voice and the roles were brilliantly acted, including Brad Barnley as Phoebus De Martin and Dom Pope as Clopin Trouillefou.

Isle of Wight County Press: Blue Brown as Esmeralda and Brad Barnely as Phoebus De Martin in The Hunchback of Notre Dame by The Island Savoyards. Pictures by Rodger Hooper.Blue Brown as Esmeralda and Brad Barnely as Phoebus De Martin in The Hunchback of Notre Dame by The Island Savoyards. Pictures by Rodger Hooper.

The only slight downside was that the diction from the supporting cast wasn't always clear — I missed quite a few lines.

There's still a chance to catch the show, which is on tonight at 7.30pm and tomorrow (Monday) at 2.30pm.

Book now for Savoyards' next production, Guys and Dolls, in October