Young Frankenstein

Young Frankenstein is based on the 1974 film of the same name and written by Mel Brooks. The musical version came to these shores in 2017.

The original Frankenstein has died and left his estate to his grandson Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced Fronk-en-steen). Frederick leaves his fiancé Elizabeth behind and travels from New York to Transylvania to claim his estate. He soon meets Igor (pronounced Eye-gore), a lab assistant – the lovely Inga and the scary housekeeper Frau Blücher. Despite his initial protests Frederick soon follows in his grandfather’s footsteps and sets out to re-animate the dead. It doesn’t all go quite to plan however when the wrong brain is fitted, the monster breaks loose and Elizabeth turns up to surprise Fredrick.

Scenery looked good, enhanced by back projection which gave depth to the different scenes.  Harvey Ebbage’s lighting design was an important integral part, which worked well. Costumes were a delight. It was nice to see such attention to detail with matching-coloured shoes for the dancers. Musical Director Hatty Philips had the difficult task of working with a soundtrack which meant the cast had to be spot on, no room for error but this all seemed to go seamlessly, so well done to all. Adele Ebbage’s choreography, as usual, was superb and very varied.

Dean Graham took on the title role as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein and what an all-round performer he is, a great debut performance. The part of  ‘assistant’ Inga was in the safe hands of Iris Constant, her mannerisms and her ability to show vulnerability was well done and she could yodel! This was in stark contrast to Aimi Cree as Elizabeth Benning, Frederick’s fiancé, played to perfection with perfect comedy timing. Matt Hall was a brilliant Inspector Hans Kemp, (reminded me of Officer Crabtree!) he switched between the spokesman of Transylvania and a bumbling fool. What a lovely part for Lisa Everett as Frau Blücher she was able to go from frightening and stern to funny and loving – great stage presence. Duncan Virgoe as Igor was excellent from the moment he appeared on stage. He had amazing energy throughout the whole show and I am sure his back must have ached with all that stooping! Liam Clarke was a great Monster, scary at first, then transforming in to an articulate, caring soul who could tap dance, even in those built-up shoes – impressive! Small but no less important parts were played well by James Klech as Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein and Sean McDowell as The Hermit whose one scene was very funny.

Young Frankenstein was full of laughter and entertainment, directed well by Adele Ebbage and delivered by a cast that worked their socks off with obvious enjoyment.

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