Tickets sales live: Hunchback of Notre Dame at Lincoln Cathedral

More than 200 local performers and a live orchestra will set Lincoln alight with a production of Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame in the city’s Gothic cathedral this summer – and the ticket office is officially open.

Performances by the Starring Lincoln Theatre Company will take place form May 23 to June 4.

Tickets will cost between £31 and £35 and are available through the Lincoln Cathedral website here.

Leading this iconic event as Quasimodo, the Hunchback himself, is University of Lincoln student Andre Buhagiar.

Whilst continuing studying for a degree in Performing Arts at the University, Andre will perform to an audience of nearly 10,000 people.

They said: “Second only to playing Quasimodo in Notre Dame, Lincoln Cathedral has to be the most fitting venue, it’s one of the world’s stunning buildings, with its own gargoyles and brilliant haunting features, not least the bells!

Andre (centre) will be playing Quasimodo | Photo: Richard Hall

“To be performing the lead role in a musical of this scale is incredible. It could be described as terrifying but I’m hugely excited. Rehearsals are well under way and I’m so pleased to be performing alongside extremely talented people and many friends here at the university.”

The production follows four previous sell-out productions at the Cathedral by Creative Director Ben Poole and his cast of Lincoln volunteer actors and crew.

Creative Director Ben Poole (centre) behind the scenes at a Cathedral rehearsal. | Photo: Richard Hall

Ben Poole said: “These huge community productions have become iconic in the city and beyond. We know that the scale and the spirit of inclusivity in the production is also matched by the quality of it.

“Those that have seen West End and Broadway shows have also come to Lincoln for these major events and told us they are unforgettable experiences that offer a scale, energy and unique atmosphere even shows in London and New York cannot match.

“For many years I’ve wanted to stage the Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame in Lincoln Cathedral. From its vast and monumental interior to the medieval faces calved into the stone, every detail, component, and character within this breathtaking building is made for hosting the spectacular.

“Having the support of the university, both in terms of talent and expertise, allows us to keep improving our production values for the audience and represents just how much of a special place Lincoln is. ‘One community’ might be a cliché thrown often without meaning, but in this case, without doubt the whole community is once again coming together to produce something truly wondrous. Let the bells ring!”

Rehearsals at Lincoln Cathedral | Photo: Richard Hall

The show is supported by the University of Lincoln, with students and University expertise helping to bring it to life.

Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for Dance at the University, Kirsty Russell, is the show’s Movement Director and is assisted by dance students at the University of Lincoln. While the students are performing in lead dancing roles, they are also using their contribution to the production towards their BA Hons Dance and MA Choreography and Performance Practices degrees.

Kirsty Russell said: “I’m thrilled personally to be choregraphing what has now become such an iconic event in the city. For our students to not only showcase their talent but also help bring the show to the stage is a unique opportunity for them.

“It’s going to be an incredible 12 nights in the spring, the hard work and creative process is well under way to ensure it will be an unforgettable experience for all who witness it.”

Rehearsals at Lincoln Cathedral | Photo: Richard Hall

Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Technical Theatre, Michael Hoyle, together with Technical Theatre students, are involved in the design and build of the set of Hunchback of Notre Dame inside Lincoln’s huge medieval Cathedral.

Rehearsals at Lincoln Cathedral | Photo: Richard Hall

Michael Hoyle said: “Working in partnership with the Starring Lincoln Theatre Company is allowing the students to practice their expertise in this area.

“Lincoln Cathedral is an astonishing venue for such a production, and the challenge to ensure the highest quality set, lighting and sound is one myself and our students, as part of their programme, are very excited to take on.”

James Fox, the show’s Musical Director and Associate Lecturer in Fine and Performing Arts at the university, said: “Anybody who has listened to the soundtrack of the Hunchback of Notre Dame will know what an amazing, complex and dramatic score it is, with music that is intense, raucous, heart-breaking and stirring in equal measure.

“A huge cast, orchestra and choir will fill Lincoln Cathedral with the most staggering sound, I’m tremendously excited for what we are about to share with the audience!”