Frankenstein At Lichfield Garrick Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by L Burton
With a loud crack of lightning and boom of thunder, Frankenstein’s monster was brought to life upon the stage at Lichfield Garrick last night. My son and I were gripped throughout – what a powerful production!
This production starts with the scene set in 1943. Whilst Europe tears itself apart, two women hide from their past at what feels like the very end of the world. And we find out that one of the two women has a terrifying story to tell.
Lichfield Garrick’s Frankenstein was adapted and directed by Seán Aydon but originally written by Mary Shelley in the early 1800’s. It is an important gothic novel that was published during the romantic era of literature and is said to be the first science fiction novel. Science fiction novels continued to be published today. The novel impacted society by carving out a new genre and making space for female authors.
The cast on stage were made up of Emily-Jane McNeill, who has appeared in a West End production of The Mousetrap, and played Victoria Frankenstein, while RADA graduate Tawana Dingembira played her partner and fellow scientist, Henry. Andy Creswell played Frankenstein’s monster and they were joined on stage by Brianne Surgeoner, Lydia Whitehead (Victoria Frankenstein’s sister) and Basienka Blake. McNeill played a very convincing Dr Frankenstein and made the role her own – I couldn’t imagine her being anything but a scientist who was trying to find a way to better humanity. Andy Creswell simply was the monster! Every scream, moan, limp……..it was frightening, gruesome and bloody brilliant! He did the role complete justice and I wouldn’t want to spoil it further for anyone who is planning on watching this fantastic production. Surgeoner, Whitehead and Blake complete the talented cast on stage – only a small cast but so very powerful!
The set designer, Nicky Bunch, created something so simple yet perfect – there were only two sets used in this production but all that was needed to bring this show to life. The lighting is based on Matt Haskins’ original design but together with the set design created the ideal atmosphere for this stage and show. Make-up, wigs and prosthetics by Missy Brazier brought the monster (and other characters) to life – but the monster was the one that I couldn’t keep my eyes off – with the make-up he truly looked the part of some mad scientist’s experiment gone wrong.
Sean Aydon’s adaption of Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein stop off at the city theatre from 8th to 12th October as part of a national tour. My son (who’s in Year 8) is currently learning about this in school so he wanted to watch the show to see the whole story – we also found an Education Resource Pack produced by Holly Gillanders Produced by Tilted Wig online for this very story which would support learning for students https://www.tiltedwigproductions.com/_files/ugd/bbd0c2_c45f784113524374a26903a970e82bbc.pdf
Tickets start from £16 and can be purchased here https://www.lichfieldgarrick.com/whats-on/all-shows/frankenstein/3366#schedules
Please note this show is not suitable for children under the age of 12 – I know this is only a recommendation and there were younger children in the audience last night but some scenes are rather extreme. I rate this show as 4/5! Don’t miss it!!
Rating: 4/5