The Island Savoyards return to Shanklin Theatre this Easter with the spectacular and powerful The Hunchback of Notre Dame – and Island Echo has a pair of tickets to giveaway!
This lushly scored retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a true hero, is told using spellbinding songs from the Disney animated film of the same name and is sure to captivate audiences.
The Island Savoyards are one of the Isle of Wight’s leading theatre societies, having been founded in 1971. Originally performing Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, the company made the switch to staging musicals in 2010. The Savoyards have a well-established fan based on the Island and have entertained audiences for 50 years, receiving awards, accolades and outstanding feedback.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of the most musically challenging pieces the company has undertaken, with the large ensemble and additional choir rehearsing for several months to learn the complex harmonies and master the Latin that some of the choral pieces are sung in.
The show’s musical director, Andrew Woodford, has conducted the orchestra for many Savoyard productions and is raising the baton once again for The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Andrew says:
“This is a beautifully written score by Disney favourite Alan Menken, who is a master in his field. It requires a 16-piece orchestra to fulfil the score which incorporates stunning solos from principal cast with dynamic ensemble numbers and the full choral crescendo sound audiences expect from an Island Savoyard production.
“I am delighted that we are able to bring this sensational show to the Isle of Wight and honoured to be conducting the incredibly talented cast and musicians.”
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS!
Island Echo has teamed up with the Island Savoyards to give you the chance of winning a pair of tickets to The Hunchback of Notre Dame this Easter. To enter, simply email [email protected] with your name, contact number and the correct answer to this question before Monday 4th April:
The Island Savoyards was established in which year?
A) 1975
B) 1982
C) 1971
The Hunchback of Notre Dame performances are over the Easter holiday weekend: 14th to 17th April at 19:30 and 18th April at 14:30. Tickets are available online from www.shanklintheatre.com or by calling the theatre box office on 01983 86800. Tickets are priced at Adult £18, Child £15 (group rates are available).
The Island Savoyards are looking forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2022, after being unable to properly acknowledge the milestone last year due to COVID. The company will be hosting an evening at Shanklin Theatre on Saturday 11th June showcasing some of their favourite show numbers from their first 50 years. Tickets will be on sale for this special one-night-only event soon.
