Frankenstein

Nick Dear’s Frankenstein retells Mary Shelley’s story from the Creature’s perspective, tracing his journey from creation to a being shaped by rejection, cruelty, and isolation. The play examines the responsibilities of science, the consequences of parental neglect, and the blurred lines between good and evil, building toward the Creature’s final confrontation with his creator, Victor Frankenstein.

The production opened with a breathtaking depiction of the Creature’s birth. A single light pulsating from the back of the stage, in time with the steady rhythm of a heartbeat, illuminated the structure as the Creature began to stir and rise from within, creating a palpable sense of life and tension that left the audience spellbound, fully drawn into the unsettling, mesmerising world the production was about to unfold.

The Creature was an electrifying presence from the very first moment, brought to life with extraordinary skill and commitment that demanded attention. Every movement, from the raw, visceral intensity of the ‘birth’ to the smallest gestures, radiated intention, emotion, and the performer’s full physical and emotional investment. The Creature was infused with astonishing depth, revealing every pang of loneliness, flicker of hope, and even the darkness of his more shocking acts, all while reflecting a profound humanity that made him impossible to look away from. Through remarkable control of voice, physicality, and expression, the performer created a fully realized, unforgettable Creature, dynamic, heartbreaking, and utterly captivating. The performance transcended the stage, leaving a lasting impression of awe and emotion.

Victor Frankenstein was portrayed with impressive precision, capturing the character’s arrogance, self-centeredness, and emotional detachment, while still conveying his undeniable skill and brilliance as a creator, which was crucial for the story. The performance masterfully revealed the tension between his sharp intellect and the destructive consequences of his choices. The interpretation was intense and nuanced, fully embodying the brilliance and flaws of the character.

Elizabeth Lavenza was brought to life with radiant vitality, adding a lightness and warmth to the story that stood in striking contrast to Frankenstein. Every gesture and expression captured her perseverance in trying to reach Victor and her careful reasonableness toward the Creature, making her tragic fate at his hands all the more affecting. It was a controlled and thoughtful performance, full of detail, that convincingly conveyed the character’s emotional depth and inner strength.

Monsieur Frankenstein had a commanding presence, conveying the character’s intensity and depth with careful control. Moments of emotional intensity were balanced with precision, capturing the father’s concern, disappointment, and vulnerability in a grounded way. Each gesture and expression contributed to a believable, sophisticated portrayal, reflecting the weight of responsibility and love that defines the character. It was a strong, assured performance, demonstrating both skill and confidence.

De Lacey was portrayed with clarity and depth as the blind man who cares for and educates the Creature at the start. The dialogue exchanges were both impressive and provocative, and there was fantastic onstage energy shared with the Creature, creating a compelling and believable connection between the characters. The performance captured the nuances of blindness convincingly, with gestures and expressions that felt natural and authentic. Overall, it was a confident and engaging depiction, demonstrating both skill and sensitivity throughout.

William Frankenstein was delivered with control and maturity beyond his years, capturing both innocence and depth. Every moment on stage felt purposeful, from the tender vulnerability of his living self to the stillness and presence after his death. It was a confident and expressive portrayal, bringing the full complexity of William to life with intense focus.

Felix and Agatha built a convincing and believable relationship, portraying a devoted couple with clear characterisation. Their interactions with each other felt natural and engaging, creating a strong sense of partnership on stage. Both performances were well-executed, demonstrating careful attention to character and relationship dynamics throughout.

Ewan and Rab worked seamlessly together, bringing lively energy as Victor’s grave robbers. Their timing and chemistry added welcome humour to an otherwise intense play, providing levity without undermining the tension. Both performances were engaging and well-executed, showing strong collaboration and understanding of the characters’ roles.

The Female Creature gave a well-controlled and believable performance during her awakening. Every movement and gesture was precise, conveying both the character’s arrival and the tension of the moment. The performance was strong and assured, demonstrating control and precision throughout.

Clarice was depicted as a mature, comforting, and maternal figure to Elizabeth. The performance captured warmth and steadiness, providing reassurance and guidance. Subtle gestures and expressions conveyed care and attentiveness, making the character feel credible and well-established.

Klaus brought an intensity and presence, that shaped key moments and drove important interactions throughout the play, ultimately emerging as a force that continually pushed the narrative into deeper, more unpredictable territory.

All the other characters in the production brought unique personalities and roles that were essential to the story. Their contributions wove a complex, engaging tapestry of interactions, giving each scene its own energy and maintaining the audience’s investment throughout.

The scenery and visual effects were amazing, bringing the world of the play to life and adding a real sense of intensity to every scene. The professional lighting was evocative, using colour, shadow, and focus to highlight emotions, emphasize key moments, and create a dynamic atmosphere that enhanced the storytelling. The props and backdrops worked seamlessly with the lighting to create vivid visuals. The smooth scene changes kept the action flowing naturally and maintained the momentum, so that each moment built on the last and made the overall performance feel even more immersive and powerful.

The costumes suited each character well and helped to bring out their personalities and roles in the story. They were thoughtfully chosen to reflect each character’s traits and status, adding subtle details that enriched the performance. The makeup was outstanding, particularly for the Creature; the scars and facial details were incredibly detailed and realistic, enhancing the intensity of his presence on stage. Together, the costumes and makeup made the characters visually compelling and added to the immersive world of the play.

The direction was tight and focused, and it was clear that a huge amount of hard work and time had gone into every detail of the production. Each scene flowed seamlessly into the next, with the pacing carefully controlled to build tension, highlight key moments, and keep the audience fully engaged. The actors were guided with precision, bringing out the best in their performances and ensuring that every interaction and emotion landed strongly. The vision of the production felt cohesive and powerful, and the overall effect was immersive and compelling. Well done Adam for bringing such clarity, energy, and care to the direction; it truly elevated the entire performance.

Thank you for inviting me to such a fabulous evening of absolutely top-class theatre. From the gripping performances to the stunning production, every moment was alive with emotion, leaving a vivid and lasting impression that stayed with me, lingering long after the show ended.

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