KAOS’ Hunchback: ‘you are hit by the power of the music and captivated’

The curtain goes up on the Hunchback Of Notre Dame at the Adam Smith Theatre on Tuesday (November 17), with a run of shows right through to Saturday.

It’s the first time the Disney classic has been staged in Fife, and for the cast and team behind the scenes, opening night cannot come soon enough.

They are now deep into final preparations with tech rehearsals, and a dress rehearsal before the opening night on their home stage.

Formed in 1907, KAOS has staged many, many shows over the decades, all giving local people a chance to perform or get involved backstage.

It is more than just a show - the ethos of the company is theatre for the community, and featuring the community.

For Steven Smyth, stepping on stage as Frollo, is a special opportunity.

“This is something I have loved for a long, long time. I remember the film coming out in the 90s, and used to listen to it, rewind it and play it again and again. To get to do that kind of role is something I always wanted to be part of. Now it’s right there for me.”

He is in no doubt what being part of a theatre community can do for so many people.

“This is a huge community,” he said. “I have seen people go into a theatre environment who come in so nervous and withdrawn, and this environment gives them confidence and the ability to understand and be themselves. It also lets them not be themselves by being a character. It is a safe space. Bringing people to the theatre is incredible.”

Like so many, his own journey into amateur theatre began at a young age.

“I used to bounce off the walls as a kid,” he said. “My mum wanted to get that energy out of me, and since I enjoyed singing and acting I joined Carnegie Youth Theatre, and quickly started doing principal parts,

“I studied acting at Fife College in 1998 and realised that was not for me - my passion was working with people and helping them. Through that I got into the Why Not Musical Theatre. After Covid I took a break and this is my first full musical I have done since I came back.

“Not only is it a part I have always wanted, but it is a step back into what I love doing. This is something I love - it gives so much to other people.” Hunchback is a powerful and intense musical with a strong story of being an outsider and trying to find acceptance - “Going through rehearsals and you just get hit by the music and sound, and you are captivated” said Steven.

It tells the story of Quasimodo, the deformed bellringer of Notre Dame. Taken in by Frollo, 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.

The themes of isolation, and disliking and shunning those we do not understand - or approve of - remain as relevant today as they were when Victor Hugo penned his novel in the 1820s.

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

Iain Hughes, director, 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. There are a lot of parallels and resonance with today.”

Hunchback is as far removed as possible from KAOS’ last big show, Sunshine On Leith, which played to full houses, and it will be followed by two more productions - Calendar Girls and then Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Andrew Lowrie, KAOS president, said: “It’s great to bring that range to the town - these are shows people might only get to see if they are in London and looking at the West End. This is community theatre for the community - and produced and presented by the community.”

> 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