WAOS perform Hunchback of Notre Dame at Carnegie Theatre, Workington

I MUST admit that on first hearing that the Hunchback of Notre Dame would be debuting in Workington I wasn't quite sure what to expect- to me it hadn't really registered as screaming broad way or West End production.

But how wrong was I, in true Workington Amateur Operatic Society style the cast debuted The Hunchback of Notre Dame bringing 'something different' to the mesmerized audience.

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo and with the beautiful musical score from the Disney film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is an epic story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a hero. 

In fifteenth-century Paris, a kind-hearted bell ringer, Quasimodo, has his life changed when he meets Esmerelda and he finds himself caught in a web of lies, love and prejudice. 

Andrew McMinn as Quasimodo (Image: WAOS) However, Quasimodo isn’t the only one enraptured by Esmeralda, as Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally captivated. When Frollo sets out to destroy Esmeralda and her people, it's up to Quasimodo to save them all.

Throughout the performance I sat open mouthed at the wonderful job the cast and production team had put on throughout the show- from the way that the performers vocals matched the productions epic score to the mesmerising scenery, which set the scene of Paris so beautifully it was a total delight.

I was particularly impressed with the staging for this performance with a dramatic window background and the wonderful Notre Dame Bells taking over the Carnegie Theatre.

The fantastic Jasmin Smith playing Esmeralda (Image: WAOS)

But real credit must go the the actors, who all shone throughout the performance: whether it was the humour of Kim Brough as a cheeky Clopin, the empathy and emotion of Andy White as Phoebus, or the commanding presence of Jack Pike in his role of Frollo each lead well and truly earned their place on the stage.

And to Quasimodo, it was a part in which Andrew McMinn shone, having said in the programme his favourite part 'was performing in what was his favourite Disney film growing up, his total joy in the role and deep understanding for it shone through.

This was met by standout performance of Esmeralda from Jasmin Smith- and all I can say is wow, her voice matched the stunning score almost perfectly and she was a wonder from her first minute on the stage.

So, after not being convinced originally I was totally bowled over, enjoying a truly wonderful evening of top quality performance right in the heart of West Cumbria, tickets are still available for the performances here.