Preston’s College reopens amphitheatre for smash hit musical

Preston’s College are all set to perform the hit musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, in the College’s unique open air theatre space – the amphitheatre.

The amphitheatre was built at the College in 1987 and has recently undergone renovation work carried out by the College’s construction learners to get it show ready, they have even helped to build the sets. To start the project a full onsite safety survey and risk assessment was carried to identify how to make the area safe for the Musical Theatre Training Academy. A team of construction tutors, learners and the College’s Estates and Facilities team then undertook the works which included: the removal of rubbish and overgrowth (plants, weeds, bushes, trees), jet wash cleaning, repointing brick and stonework, landscaping and the application of a water based sealer and appearance enhancer.  

Jane Tudor, Head of School for Visual and Performing Arts said “The amphitheatre is a unique performing space and we are so grateful to the construction learners and staff who have helped us get the area ready by completing renovations and building sets. A special mention is also needed for our Estates team who have done a tremendous job cleaning the area. It is a remarkable location for our end of year show.”

The Hunchback of Notre Dame show will be performed by the College’s Musical Theatre Training Academy learners as their end of year show. The show is based on the Victor Hugo novel and includes songs from the Disney film with music from Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.

Rachael Soar, Musical Theatre tutor at Preston’s College said: “The amphitheatre is a wonderful performance space which complements the gothic setting of the story. The learners are really excited to perform this show to a live audience and are working hard to make it an unforgettable show.”

Leisl Cook and Harriet Hargreaves playing the lead roles of Quasimodo and Esmeralda added: “This year, the pandemic has made auditioning, rehearsing and performing challenging, but we’ve been supported every step of the way by our amazing tutors. We’re really excited to perform this classic story and thrilled that the show has sold out.”