Frankenstein

From the moment you entered the auditorium it was clear that this was going to an interesting evening. The stark, soundly built set was central to the concept of Cheryl Marksford, Director of Frankenstein. It was going to take us, the audience, on a unique journey. Bathed in eerie green light with glowing accents of orange and red it sparked our collective imaginations. We were about to experience surprising departures from the well-known story of Frankenstein and his monster. Congratulations to the Trevor Mumford and his team for realising their Director’s ideas. The same accolade goes to Roger Davis and his team for the amazing effects, and Lynn Sahathevan for the exceptional sound quality.

The orchestral introduction to the ‘Creature’ was well choreographed, powerful, and moving. Dan Coles, playing the ‘Creature’, showed vulnerability and pain very effectively. However, it was initially difficult to be afraid of him; he was not grotesque.  It was in the second half that he became the true monster with guile, sophistication and surprising overtones of a mid-European accent. Was the intention to show that it was innocence in a grown man that repulsed those who happened across the Creature? Maybe it was intending to send a message by making the scars of ‘assembly’ very subtle, a raised ‘nut’ on each shoulder and slight bruising around neat needlework around his arms.  (Note: Any action on the floor is not visible for most of the audience beyond the first few rows.)

Congratulations to Sarah Hinchcliffe as De Lacey,  the Creature’s ‘teacher’, Brendan Rogers and Franchesca Monk (Felix and Agatha) – who showed the Creature what a happiness could be, and Bryson Dekker who was exceptional as a very young William, brother of Frankenstein. Finally, Lucie Nash as Frankenstein was a ‘tour de force’, intense, manic and strong. Well done to all other players who all fully engaged in story telling - including moving forests, rabble on the rampage and ignorance personified. I think you must all have enjoyed the wonderfully fashioned wardrobe that was indicative of ‘steam punk’ meets David Essex.Thank you for a thought-provoking evening.

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