Royal & Derngate Theatre – Northampton – until 16th November 2024
Review by Amanda Allen
5*****
We all know the story of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, probably from childhood, but this reimagined tale by Sean Aydon brought a new perspective to one of the earliest Science Fiction stories we have. Set in 1943 with most of Europe tearing itself apart we are introduced to Victoria Frankenstein (played brilliantly by Emily Jane McNeill) and “Captain” (played with equal brilliance by Basienka Blake) in a small hut at the end of nowhere they are hiding away from the world for what initially appears to be very different reasons. Both women are frightened and untrusting of each other and the wider world around them and it’s here that their tale unfolds.
As the story of Victoria’s creation becomes clear we learn about her past life and work, her relationship with her family and her love interest, Henry (Tawana Dingembira) For me the relationship between Victoria and her lab assistant, Francine, played wonderfully by Brianne Surgeoner was the one I found myself most invested in. Victoria didn’t seem to appreciate the impact her attempts to create the perfect human specimen could possibly have on Francine who described herself as imperfect, the irony seemed lost on Victoria or else she was truly oblivious to Francine’s differences as she saw her simply as her super-efficient Lab assistant, totally overlooking what others would describe as disabilities.
The frightening prospect of the government getting involved in her experiments was brought to the stage by Richter, the representative from the University played by Basienka Blake again. It made you think about many of the atrocities we now know happened during the 2nd World war and about how far medical science has come in the last 80+ years. Victoria’s quest to be able to cure many illnesses and sickness and replace worn parts of bodies is, in the 21st century, fact not fiction. Lydia Whitehead who played Victoria’s sister Elizabeth bought some much needed softness and light to a dark tale offering up her love of her sister and her family and the normality of her life in comparison to the strange darkness of Victoria’s Life.
The creature created by Victoria and Francine is portrayed brilliantly by Andy Cresswell. He gave the monster creation real depth of character. The idea that he could learn to speak, understand, read and function in a world he had no prior knowledge of was a fascinating concept. To have him quoting Shakespear’s Hamlet was a genius touch making him appear empathetic and human whilst at the same time he was possessed of a powerful need to destroy those he thought had wronged him.
Mention must be made of the set, lighting and costume designers (Nicky Bunch, Jason Addison and Tabitha Stock). They created the perfect atmosphere for frightening the audience! I swear I left my seat I jumped so much at the point where the creature came to life, even though I knew it was coming. With dark, moody lighting, fabulous prosthetics, costumes and make-up the creature was truly scary. The story also had a proper ending, leaving, no ends left untied, no questions about what happened next. It made you think about life as we know it and the advances science has brought us. Do not go and see this with young children or if you have a heart condition, but if that’s not you get your tickets quick.