Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein has been adapted numerous times on stage and screen. Here Seán Aydon’s adaptation for Tilted Wig places the story in the 20th century as war looms in Europe. The setting allows for a more human exploration of the characters in Shelley’s classic gothic novel.
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| Andy Cresswell as The Creature. Photo by Robling Photography. |
The play begins in a gloomy cabin as Basienka Blake’s Captain goes about her business in an atmospheric silence. That silence is broken by a sudden knocking at the door (the first of many jump scares in the production). With gun in hand Captain opens the door to Victoria Frankenstein played by Emily-Jane McNeill. Frankenstein seeks shelter as she searches the mountains. As an audience it’s clear what she searches for, but through conversation Frankenstein explains to Captain about her experiment of the creation of life and that she must track down the monster.
The play then jumps backwards as the first act then focuses on the build up to the birth of the monster. Nicky Bunch’s impressive stage design is cleverly cold, the colour scheme and the placing of the science equipment make it a place where you wouldn’t want to stay long. Jason Addison’s lighting adds texture and further atmosphere. There’s a real sense of tension built throughout the piece which has you gripping to the edge of your seat.
McNeill’s shows a more human side to Frankenstein. The act explores her motives for wanting to try the experiment matched with her own thoughts of if it’s right or should she be using her knowledge to help cure disease. McNeill is certainly someone to bookmark the name off. Mid way through the act we are introduced to Frankenstein’s sister, Elizabeth, played by Lydia Whitehead. Her surprise arrival threatens to ruin the experiments plans as the required electrical storm is looming. Throughout Brianne Surgeoner gives a superb supporting performance as Francine. An assistant who is right by Victoria’s side.
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| Emily-Jane McNeill as Victoria Frankenstein. Photo by Robling Photography. |
The first act closes on the birth of the monster. This is played out as to be expected as Andy Cresswell’s initially crawls around before eventually breaking free and out in to the world. This send the audience out in to the interval with many questions which are explored further in the second act.
The second act explores the humanity of the monster as well as the consequences of the creation that Frankenstein must face. Cresswell gives a magnificently human interpretation of the monster. He is both touching and monstrous.
The arrival of Richter, a scientist who has heard of the creation challenges Victoria’s mind and the power of what science can do. Victoria is challenged to use her knowledge for good and the offer of more assistance especially after Richter cruelly dismissed the work of Francine.
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| Andy Cresswell as The Creature and Tawana Dingembira as Henry. Photo by Robling Photography. |
The tension builds as the monster gets more violent particularly to those around Victoria, including her boyfriend Henry played by Tawana Dingembira. The violence leads to a showdown back in the Captain’s cabin which closed to play leaving the audience gasping as the curtain comes down.
Aydon’s adaption is well paced and really interesting and the questions both get some answers whilst leaving enough room for discussion and debate as you exit the theatre. Questions such as who is the real monster is something we discussed afterwards. It’s clever to leave some questions unanswered allowing for the audience to take different things away from the performance.
Through its tense staging, it’s clever storytelling and intrigue you are kept hooked by the production. With a run time of just over 2 hours including a 20 minute interval not everything is given its full chance to be explored and certain moments don’t land but you leave having enjoyed the experience which is equal parts tense and thrilling.
Away from the production itself credit must go to Rebecca Pitt who has created the production artwork and the team who have created an excellent programme which gives insights into the creative process and makes for a lovely keepsake souvenir.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Frankenstein plays at Royal and Derngate until Saturday 16th November. Tickets are available from https://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/. You can find out about Tilted Wig from their website https://www.tiltedwigproductions.com/
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| Emily-Jane McNeill as Victoria Frankenstein and Brianne Surgeoner as Francine. Photo by Robling Photography. |
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