Theatre Review: Frankenstein

If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!

Tilted Wig ~ Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Synopsis

1943. Whilst Europe tears itself apart, two women hide from their past at what feels like the very end of the world. And one of them has a terrifying story to tell…

“I created life. You don’t believe me but it’s true. I didn’t start from scratch of course but out of portions and odd ends I made something – alive. But what I created… it wasn’t a superhuman. It was a monster.”

This new thriller inspired by the classic gothic novel and complete with a stunning original score explores the very fabric of what makes us human and the ultimate cost of chasing “perfection”.

Frankenstein is an electrifying reimagining of the world’s favourite horror story that will set minds and spines tingling.

All photos by Robling Photography.

Review

There are so many versions of Frankenstein, that it might seem tricky to come up with a new interpretation. The Tilted Wig team – in particular adapter and director Seán Aydon – have drawn on several questions, including ‘what it means to be human’ and ‘is progress always a good thing’, combining them into a production that brings the story into the 20th century.

It’s clear what Aydon has tried to do and, for the most part, it works well. The cast is diverse and the story centres around how we as humans are obsessed with perfection and why away from anyone who might be different. Considering this story is set in 1943, the underlying messages add a sense of foreboding to those of us who know what is going on in Europe.

Nicky Bunch’s set design is impressive, as the majority of the production takes place in the lab, filled with jars and bottles of goodness knows what and a beautiful window. Coupled with the atmospheric sound, music and lighting, the show is an impressive watch.

That said, there are parts of it that drag on quite a lot, especially the scene changes and some of the gaps between action. It’s a short play, but feels too long; even though many of the famous quotes from the original text are missing.

It’s a fresh take and there are some good performances, but overall the acting is not strong enough to carry such a famous story and in parts the modern agenda feels forced, rather than natural.

It’s a small cast, and scenes are intimate but there feels like a lack of character understanding from many of the cast. There are some touching moments between Emily-Jane McNeill (Victoria) and Brianne Surgeoner (Francine), but for the most part the interactions are lacklustre. Victoria seems more blasé than frustrated that her experiment hasn’t worked, and there is no chemistry between her and Henry (Tawana Dingembira).

Having a female Dr Frankenstein does bring a new perspective to the story, but it feels a missed opportunity to discuss women in medicine and the attitudes at the time. The role of the Creature (Andy Cresswell) also lacks credibility and his journey is glossed over, which is a shame.

The overall ambition of the piece is clear, but it sadly doesn’t quite deliver on its promise.