Newcastle Theatre Royal – until 9 September
5*****
I was lucky enough to have a ticket for the first night of Young Frankenstein in Newcastle. As its not had it official press night I’ll try not to spoil anything but this preview should hopefully whet your appetite.
The legend that is Mel Brookes was in the Toon for the first night and made a speech at the end of the show. And we were introduced to the production by Director, Susan Stroman.
If you’ve seen the film or if you’ve been lucky enough to see the musical previously then you know its hilarious, but if this is your first visit – then you are in for a treat.
Hadley Fraser (Frederick Frankenstein), Inga (Summer Strallen), Frau Blücher (Lesley Joseph) and Ross Noble (Igor) lead the wonderful cast supported by Dianne Pilkington (Elizabeth), Inspector Kemp (Patrick Clancy) and Shuler Hensley (The Monster) and the incredibly talented ensemble (Imogen Brooke, Nathan Elwick, Andrew Gordon-Watkins, Sammy Kelly, Perry O’Dea, Pichard Pitt, Harriet Samuel-Gray, Gemma Scholes, Josh Wilmott, Bethan Downing, Kelly Ewins-Prouse, Emily Squibb, Matthew Whennell- Clark, Aron Wild)
The show is side-splittingly funny with spoken, physical and visual jokes. And it must be seen to be believed when the Monster sings and dances his way through “Puttin’ on the Ritz”.
Everything about this show is fabulous from Beowulf Boritt’s magnificent set, William Ivey Long’s costumes and Andrew Hilton’s musical direction. Mel Brookes music and lyrics are clever, witty and, in some places, downright rude – which actually adds to the humour.
I can only say go and see this show, because you’ll regret if you don’t. In Newcastle until 9 September and moving into the Garrick Theatre, London from 28 September