Lamphouse Theatre, creators of the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe hit show War of the Worlds (On a Budget), present the premiere of their brand new, musical comedy version of Frankenstein at the Pleasance Jack Dome from 31st July to 26th August. Featuring just one actor, Frankenstein (On a Budget) will parody the original Boris Karloff films, and the epic Rocky Horror Show while paying homage to Mary Shelley’s original story.
With a full soundtrack of brand new music, some decidedly dodgy backdrops, lots of weather based puns, plenty of cardboard props and more hats than you can throw a stick at, this take on the most famous cult horror story of all time will be more frightful than frightening! Lamphouse’s unique style, of devised comedy based on well-known stories, featuring clowning, comedy, music and improvisationpromises to provide a side-splitting night out (recommended for all ages 14+).
Frankenstein (On a Budget) is the perfect show for comedy and music lovers, students, theatregoers who are looking for a great night out…and fans of Boris Karloff’s square headed monster. The show features Tom Fox, in his seminal role as Dr Frankenstein, the Monster and every other character in between, with music by Rebecca Applin, Direction by Mercè Ribot and Musical Direction by Sam Sommerfeld.
With a full soundtrack of brand new music, some decidedly dodgy backdrops, lots of weather based puns, plenty of cardboard props and more hats than you can throw a stick at, this take on the most famous cult horror story of all time will be more frightful than frightening! Lamphouse’s unique style, of devised comedy based on well-known stories, featuring clowning, comedy, music and improvisationpromises to provide a side-splitting night out (recommended for all ages 14+).
Frankenstein (On a Budget) is the perfect show for comedy and music lovers, students, theatregoers who are looking for a great night out…and fans of Boris Karloff’s square headed monster. The show features Tom Fox, in his seminal role as Dr Frankenstein, the Monster and every other character in between, with music by Rebecca Applin, Direction by Mercè Ribot and Musical Direction by Sam Sommerfeld.
Ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe we spoke to producer Becky Owen-Fisher to learn more.
Where did your arts career begin?
Lamphouse Theatre is run by myself (Becky Owen-Fisher) and Tom Fox. We both started from very different points, Tom has been a comedy improviser ever since college and I went down a very academic route. Lamphouse was born 11 years ago when we realised his creative brain and my administrative brain worked quite well together!
What can you tell me about your show?
Frankenstein (On a Budget) is a very silly musical based on Mary Shelley's novel, with a tip of the hat to Boris Karloff, and the Rocky Horror Show. It's a one man comedy musical with brand new songs, lots of cardboard props, and a whole bunch of super silly gags. It's a fast paced, funny, hammer horror homage, on a budget!
Frankenstein (On a Budget) is a very silly musical based on Mary Shelley's novel, with a tip of the hat to Boris Karloff, and the Rocky Horror Show. It's a one man comedy musical with brand new songs, lots of cardboard props, and a whole bunch of super silly gags. It's a fast paced, funny, hammer horror homage, on a budget!
How would you describe the style of the show?
Silly - just silly. Tom will play all the characters including Frankenstein, the Monster, Electricity, a Moutain and an Angry Mob. We do like to think it's also clever though - the songs are top notch thanks to our composer Rebecca Applin, and the props, although made of cardboard and foam are...impressive?!
How have you approached developing the piece?
We're a devising company so in the rehearsal room our fantastic director Mercé Ribot prompts Tom to improvise skits and scenes around silly ideas, games, and plot points and then it's my job to write down all the good bits and shape the scenes. We also have a fantastic design and build time who have been busying away behind the scenes making all our technicolour foam props!
If your show was a biscuit, what would it be and why?
A Party Ring! A multicoloured moment of absolute joy, but with surprising hidden nostalgic depths.
How do/will you prepare yourself for a run at the Fringe?
Ok, so every time we go to the Fringe we talk a lot about not drinking beer and eating vegetables and joining the gym and only seeing a sensible amount of shows and getting to bed early, but last time we were there I was so tired/excited/distracted/full of carbs that I walked face first into a pillar in the Gilded Balloon bar on day 3. I wouldn't recommend that. My advice would be take it easy, take your vitamins and don't go searching for your reviews.
Other than the show, what’s something you’re looking forward to doing in Edinburgh this year?
Seeing some other amazing shows - I'm particularly excited about Stevie Martin. And going to Portobello Beach!
What keeps you inspired?
I flipping love my job - I'm so lucky that this is what I get to do for a living! When audiences laugh at our shows, that's inspiration enough for me.
What do you hope an audience takes away from seeing the show?
Just joy. We all need a laugh and I hope they're laughing til they cry!
Where can audiences see the show?
Pleasance Dome, Jack Dome, 11:50am, 31st July - 26th August (not 14th). Tickets are available from https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/frankenstein-budget
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