Notre Dame de Paris Musical (London Coliseum 2019) : Review

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Performance Date: Saturday 16th January 2019

Website: Notredamedeparislespectacle.com

The smash-hit French musical returns to London for 7 performances only, after touring in 23 countries around the world over the last 20 years.

Based on the acclaimed novel by Victor Hugo, Notre Dame of Paris tells the story of the bell-ringer cathedral Quasimodo and his tragic love for the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda.

This stage spectacular features an international ensemble of singers, dancers, acrobats and a live orchestra, as well as unforgettable music composed by Richard Cocciante, with lyrics by Luc Plamondon.

Notre Dame de Paris was first and last in London from 2000 to 2001, and in that time period I saw it 6 times and fell in love with it. To be honest it should have kept running here, as it is a great musical.

The lights, the music and the costumes everything was perfect and a treat for the eyes and ears.

I loved this show so much, I purchased the French DVD and also Italian DVD and watched them many times…..so much so I can nearly sing all the French songs.

I waited and waited hoping it would come to the UK….more so Glasgow or even Edinburgh so I could see it again but it didn’t….then I saw it advertised for the London Coliseum for one week only and instantly I got tickets. I got the second row from the front, dead centre…yeah I paid a little more but I didn’t care I HAD to see this again!

It was showtime!

I was like a big kid in a candy shop, I couldn’t wait for it to start I was so excited. I saw it was a new cast, apart from one Daniel Lavoie who has been it from the start. He was also in the French DVD version so this was a great honour to see him live in person!!

The performances were all sung in French, with a digital board showing English subtitles but I didn’t need them….I had seen this show so many times from the French DVD I knew it very well so I could just sit listen and enjoy. At the times my favourite songs were sung, I was so happy I had to hold back happy tears.

The show was amazing from start to finish, and I could have easily seen it again! It also used a live orchestra, where the previous times it was a backing track. Using this live orchestra, made it much warmer enjoyable and emotional.

Angelo Del Vecchio as Quasimodo is outstanding, as I was comparing him to Garou but Angelo was just as good. Daniel Lavoie is amazing and delivers strong vocals throughout, and I would even say sings better now.

If you get a chance to see this in any country, please do go and see it you will love it! This is a different kind of musical the way its performed, so don’t go expecting a West End or Broadway-style musical…go with an open mind and enjoy!

This performance stars Angelo Del Vecchio, Hiba Tawaji, Daniel Lavoie, Richard Charest, Alyzée Lalande, Martin Giroux and Jay.

★★★★★

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