Young Frankenstein

I did not know what to expect of this show but I can tell you I had a smile on my face all through. The puns, one liners and innuendos coupled with great character acting made this show a refreshing and rumbustious delight. The story line is of Frankenstein’s grandson inheriting his grandfather’s estate and visiting the castle in Transylvania where, despite his scepticism, he gets caught up in similar experiments to bring a monster to life. The shenanigans of Mel Brooks’ comedy took off. The six main characters were all fantastic in the interpretation of their roles. As Frederick Frankenstein the grandson, Aiden French impressed with the incredibly difficulty and wordy patter song The Brain as a geeky professor and then went on in confident style to involve us in the machinations of his creation. His singing and dancing, his reactions and expressions all showed what a talent he has. Likewise Rachel Nee caught the openly nubile Inga, the lab assistant. Her accent, her allure and her behaviour gave us delight and fun. The scene on the cart with her song Roll in The Hay was one of the highlights of the show. Then the antics of Mitch Scott-Bell as Igor, Grandfather Frankenstein’s henchman- he with the moveable hulk- were captivating. He was a comedic asset to every song he was involved in, even making the switching of levers moments of comedy. No less talented was Rachel Guthrie who gave us the spoilt, overpowering fiancee of Frederick but who couldn’t bear to be touched. Her timing was as impeccable as her nails and her singing beautifully controlled. By contrast her abandoned relations with the Monster was wonderfully outrageous. The Monster was well characterised by John Thomson – tall and spooky. Congratulations to makeup for such a transformation. The inarticulate voice then the switch to educated tones, his distress and distrust and his movements as he was taught to dance were all spot on. Meanwhile always accompanied by horses’ neighing at her name, Janice Fyall carried the role of Frau Blucher, the boyfriend of the grandfather. Her chair routine and eye rolling in He Was My Boyfriend sung with a heavy accent and severe face, at odds with the innuendos was another show highlight. These roles were well supported by minor characters who were no less successful: Paul Connor as The Hermit and the comic scene where he tried to feed The Monster; Gordon Taylor as the domineering Inspector; Stuart Barton as his sidekick Felix; and Calum Fraser in his first role as Bertam Batram. The whole company as scientists, villagers and dancers played and sang their parts well. And their highlight was their well choreographed Putting On The Ritz. This cast made the show look easy and effortless but the technicalities of the set and equipment must have created some fun moments of their own. The set with it central entrance lent itself to secret and revolving doors enhancing the fun. With great singing and clever routines, this was a splendid and entertaining production, smoothly executed.

Thank you for inviting me.

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