YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

Director/Choreographer Paul Nowland said in his “Directors Notes” that bringing this show “alive” on stage has been a challenge in many ways – but one that the ever popular Upstagers Theatre rose to…and delivered without doubt.

In the lead as Victor Frankenstein (or should I say “Fronkensteen”?) was Harry Hodge, exuding charm and confidence, with a wonderful singing voice and very much at ease in all his movements – particularly impressive in “Puttin’ on the Ritz”.

Brilliant characterisation and delivery came from George Scaife as his trusty sidekick Igor, with perfect comic timing – I loved that he said he was drawing some inspiration from Marty Feldman but giving his own flouncy, flamboyant flair…think Jack Sparrow meets Russell Brand!  Spot on George!

Ruby Hendry was perfect as Inga, Frankenstein’s Swedish assistant, and they got up to some wonderful antics on stage in their scenes together. Ruby has an incredible singing voice, and she made it look effortless to reach those high notes!

Lois Brook portrayed Frankenstein’s self-obsessed fiancée (Elizabeth Benning) perfectly – her comic timing was brilliant, and she so easily transferred her affections to the Monster when presented with his charms.

Elliot Broadfoot was brilliantly cast as the Monster, making him more endearing than frightening and managing to convey so much with his grunts!

Katherine Griffiths was excellent as the formidable Frau Blucher – as with all the others her comic timing and delivery was brilliant.

Tobias Garbutt gave superb cameo performances as Inspector Kemp and also The Blind Hermit.  I really don’t know how he kept a straight face!

The whole company gave outstanding performances throughout the show whether principals, ensemble or dancers - characterisations in every single scene were suprerb.

Director/Choreographer Paul said that one of the biggest challenges with the show is that there is no set or costumes available to hire as yet.  The set that Upstagers Theatre created was superb – bringing the glamour of 1930s New York society and the village of Transylvania Heights stunningly to life.  The Laboratory was particularly impressive with the electrical equipment and being built on two levels, and I also loved the rotating bookcase.  I lost count of the number of extremely swift set changes there were – the crew deserve a standing ovation for their sheer brilliance!

Lighting was excellent giving great atmosphere to all the scenes.

The costumes were all excellent and just right for the settings.  Attention to detail was second to none!  Congratulations to the wardrobe department.

The Big Brain Band, under MD Phil Walsh, were as brilliant as ever, never overwhelming the singers, which for a “new show” it was really important to hear those lyrics (especially if, like me, you’ve never seen the movie – so really needed to understand the storyline).

John & Oli Trenouth provided excellent sound - getting the balance just right, and they also provided some superb sound effects.

Choral and solo singing were all of excellent quality, with clear diction throughout – even the Monsters “grunts” were delivered with precision and meaning!

Choreography was excellent – everyone was so well drilled and there were many impressive big showpieces, all perfectly executed.

Thank you once again Upstagers Theatre for bringing something new and exciting to the stage.  The whole Company certainly gave the audience an “electric” show – and we all had a monstrously good time!!!

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