Curtain up as KAOS brings Hunchback of Notre Dame to Fife stage for first time

Kirkcaldy Amateur Operatic Society (KAOS) takes on the Disney classic story for its autumn production, with the curtain going up at the Adam Smith Theatre on Tuesday, November 17, and running until Saturday 21st.

It’s a big, powerful and intense musical with a sweeping score - one that will appeal to all who loved the film and have grown up with the story of Quasimodo, first penned by author Victor Hugo in the 1820s.

KAOS has a long and proud history dating back to 1907, but this is a new addition to its extensive repertoire.

Andrew Lowrie, KAOS president, said: “It is the first time we have done it - in fact, as far as I know, the Hunchback has not been done in Fife.

“I know not all amateur theatre companies want to do it - it is big, complex show.”

KAOS scored a huge hit last year with The Proclaimers’ musical, Sunshine On Leith which sold out. Hunchback is a very different show - and the company is relishing the challenge.

“We have an ensemble on stage, our first since Chess and that is great for the company,” said Andrew. “We decided to put it on after a run of commercial, modern shows which didn’t have a lot for the chorus.

"We wanted something that involved the whole company, particularly musically - and the one thing about Hunchback is this is a really powerful musical.”

The company has been deep in rehearsals for weeks, although planning for the show began in March with the first read throughs.

Iain Hughes, director, has watched it come together and is looking forward to a busy countdown to opening night.

“It is a different style of show,” he said. “It is intense, powerful and quite emotional.

“We started rehearsals in March, and there was a five week summer break before getting back into it in August. It is a big commitment from everyone involved. We’re rehearsing the company one night and the chorus the night, and they work beautifully together.”

The cast has a strong local core, with around 100 people in the company all playing their parts part stage and in the wings.

It is community theatre for the community - and by the community.

And performed to the highest level.

Hunchback tells the story of Quasimodo, the deformed bellringer of Notre Dame. Taken in by Frollo, played by Stephen Smyth, he is kept locked away from the people until he slips out to explore the Feast of Fools where the outlawed gypsy population of Paris are allowed to attend and be part of the celebrations.

Declared the King of Fools, Quasimodo is rescued by gypsy dancer Esmerelda, but that sparks conflict which engulfs the city in flames.

Isolating those we dislike and disapprove of, leaving people on the outside, are themes all too common today.

Through it runs the line, what makes the monster, what makes the man - a question to make those in the audience think.

Iain said: “This is all about inclusion. It is about the outlier, the person who isn’t accepted and maybe made fun of - someone who others do not understand.

It also looks at the Romany people coming into Paris who are excluded and not welcomed. There are a lot of parallels and resonance with today.”

On the cusp of the final preparations - which take in everything from costumes arriving to set building to tech rehearsals - Iain is more than happy with where the cast is.

“When we started in March we walked through it.” he said. “I can see how they have grown into their parts and see their confidence develop. “Even this week everyone just looked more confident. Not many shows get to such a good stage at this stage.” > KAOS presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, Tuesday November 17 to Saturday 21st. Tickets from the box office and onfife.com