GOODNESS knows what Esmeralda would have to say.

A touring theatre company - soon to visit the North-East - has decided to change the name of Victor Hugo's classic story to avoid offending disabled people.

Oddsocks Productions decided on The Bellringer of Notre Dame rather than The Hunchback of Notre Dame as the play's title, after discussions with a disability advisor.

David Baguley, professor of French at Durham University, said: "It seems to be something of a concession to political correctness. The original title of the novel was Notre Dame de Paris but it was changed when it was translated into English.

"Because of the popularity of the film with Charles Laughton, The Hunchback of Notre Dame became in a sense the official English title."

But Oddsocks producer Elli Mackenzie defended the change, claiming sufferers of spina bifida or scoliosis of the spine could be offended by the term hunchback.

"We have not changed the novel in any way," she said.

Libby Biberian, of the Scoliosis Association, said: "It's very nice of this touring company to have thought about it.

"I have got scoliosis which is very noticeable. I would be embarrassed and offended by the original title."

The play will be performed at Kirkleatham Hall Museum, near Redcar, from July 16 to 20, and at Prudhoe Castle on July 24 and 25.

And a few more rewritten classics . . .

Of Mice And Non Gender Specific Persons - John Steinbeck

Ethnic Minority Beauty - Anna Sewell

Vertically Challenged Women - Louisa May Alcott

Sons and Co-habiting Partners - DH Lawrence