A THEATRE company is presenting unusual choice of pantomime this year as The Hunchback of Notre Dame takes to the stage at Haverhill Arts Centre in January. This version of the classic Victor Hugo story takes place in Paris during carnival time in 1400 an

A THEATRE company is presenting unusual choice of pantomime this year as The Hunchback of Notre Dame takes to the stage at Haverhill Arts Centre in January.

This version of the classic Victor Hugo story takes place in Paris during carnival time in 1400 and something. The plot sees the evil Minister of Justice Claude Frollo attempting to rid Paris of all villagers, including the beautiful and vivacious Esmerelda.

She attracts the attention of new captain of the guard, Phoebus, and from then on mayhem ensues as the beggars of Paris rise up in rebellion against Frollo led by Clopin, the almost heroic King of the Beggars.

The Hunchback, Quasimodo, lives at the top of the bell-tower of Notre Dame in the company of two rather questionable gargoyles. Can he save Esmerelda from the evil Frollo? Will Phoebus betray the love of his life? Will Quasimodo ever stop ringing the bells? Will Dame Fe Fe Le Large's dodgy French accent hold out for the entire script? All these and numerous other questions may or may not be answered in this show.

Director David Hart said: "This is an adventure story that includes all the normal pantomime characters. In our version Quasimodo is a tragicomic character who the audience will feel sorry for one moment and laugh at the next. There are plenty of opportunities for the audience to get involved in the story, which is suitable for all the family."

The Hunchback of Notre Dame runs on Saturday January 23 and Sunday January 24 and again from Thursday January 28 to Saturday January 30.

Tickets are available for matinee and evening performances; call the Box Office on 01440 714140 or visit www.haverhillartscentre.co.uk.