Frankenstein 1930

Haverhill & District Operatic Society's Centre Stage Company's take on this classic horror story, adapted for the stage by Fred Carmichael from the original 1931 film of Mary Shelley's gripping novel.  This was an opportunity for the performers to bring to life the character and motivation of this very different love story.

The in-house set design and construction team had devised an authentic-looking static split set, which worked extremely well.  One half represented the interior of the Frankenstein family's manor house circa 1900's; the other, the sinister, stone-walled laboratory in the ruined castle. Other cameo scenes, the cemetery, a hotel, an inn, the forest and village square, were played out in front of the stage apron area, using simply devised props.  This concept allowed for good continuity and pace throughout the performance and with the addition of the atmospheric lighting plot and realistic sound effects, added much to the drama.  The costumes, too, were all of the early 1900's period and helped visually to recreate the setting for this spine-chilling tale.

There were some outstanding performances amongst the strong cast and David Hart, as Director, had ensured that both the humour and horror of the piece had been fully exploited. From the opening scene at the village cemetery, when Victor Frankenstein, accompanied by his assistant Gorgo, ghoulishly removes the brain and hand from a cadaver awaiting burial, to the terrifying conclusion of the confrontation between the scientist and the monster he has created, there were some very memorable and startling moments.

Joe Craig convincingly portrayed the obsessive, increasingly demented young scientist, hell-bent on completing his highly secret experiment at all costs.  James Malone put in a fine performance as his severly crippled assistant Gorgo, contorting his body in some incredibly difficult postures. As Aunt Frederika, Sue Almond showed true concern for Elizabeth, Frankenstein's fiancee and heorine of the tale, delightfully played by Billie Allen.  Tom Ogden provided the love interest as Henry Lovitz, Frankenstein's long-standing friend; who is concerned that Elizabeth is making a terrible mistake in contemplating marriage to Frankenstein.  Ian Davison put in a very plausible performance as Dr. Hellstrom, Frankenstein's former university tutor, who tries without success to remonstrate with his former pupil on the potential dangers of the experiment.  Emma Letcher, as the family's maid, provided some of the rather more light-hearted moments.

But the performance from Steve Powter as The Creature was larger than life in every respect. From his initial "awakening", his portrayal of a confused, child-like, but powerfully dangerous inhuman monster was utterly mesmerizing, yet somehow managed to gain sympathy for his subsequent deadly actions.

This was a powerful piece of drama and the cast had embraced the challenge and all contributed to a well-rehearsed and riveting performance.  My only criticism was that, at times, the dialogue was difficult to hear clearly, due possibly to technical difficulties, or lack of voice projection and speed of delivery.  This was a pity and some of the dialects used were questionable, too, particularly noticeable in the Inn scene in Act II.  However, this did not significantly detract from the overall quality of the production, but is just something to bear in mind when specific locations are portrayed.

Thank you, Centre Stagers, for a refreshingly different evening's entertainment.

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