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THE HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN

Author: Nova Horley

Information

Date
11th May 2023
Society
Digswell Players
Venue
The Village Hall, Digswell
Type of Production
Play
Director
Mary Portalska

I was delighted to attend The House of Frankenstein performed by the Digswell Players.  The play was amusing and well-directed.

The open stage showed the set, which was intriguing and well-lit from the moment we entered the auditorium.  Although a fixed set it was interesting, with the flickering light bulbs in the candelabrum, and atmospheric lighting throughout.  The use of the rotating flats for the Phantom added another aspect to the production, along with the steps leading upstairs stage left.  Cleverly built overall, well-dressed and used to maximum effect.

Sound effects were good, and linked with good use of lighting made this a spooky and visually effective production, particularly with regard to the storm.  Music used was relevant, I liked the accompaniment to the scene of mayhem!

I was impressed with the costumes, they were vibrant where relevant, suited the actors and their personas, looked fresh, with accessories relevant to the era.

Andrew Read (Baron Von Frankenstein) had the necessary strength of character to make his presence felt, nicely achieved, with his wife Francine Ross (Elisabeth Von Frankenstein) both elegant and sophisticated, subservient and assertive, her turn round in the final scene was well-accomplished.  Loved the green outfit!

Arun Setty (Ygor) was very interesting with his hunchback, reaction the ‘the bells’, a lot of funny lines, and good facial expressions throughout.

Claire Westlake (The Monster) created a good character, despite being silent most of the time, difficult to achieve, but nicely done.

Adrienne Perry (Frau Lurker) was a very stern housekeeper, trying to keep everyone in order.

Josh Holloway (Harry Talbot) gave a good portrayal of the young man tormented by becoming a Werewolf, and really came into his own with a very believable wolf, good mannerisms and energy.

Abigail Haines (Countess Ilona Bathory) created the Vampire element of her character well, and looked calm but troubled, carrying off her part well, and creating a good relationship with Alfie Hart (Count Vlad Dracula), who was a brooding presence carrying a sense of foreboding to the proceedings.

Nick Johnson (The Phantom of the Opera) was amusing and spooky, creating a troubling relationship with Emma Gilby (Isabel Channing), who made a great entrance giving us a very ditzy young lady, a good contrast to the other characters.

The reaction of the cast to their potion that was supposed to right all wrongs was very telling, but I was a little perturbed that during the final act Elizabeth masked Frau Lurker, when there was room for her to move slightly, but overall an interesting and visually appealing production, with good performances from a strong cast.

My thanks to Digswell Players for making us so welcome, we enjoyed the evening very much.

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