Frankenstein at Royal and Derngate, Northampton Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel Randle
Yesterday my daughter (8 years old) and I went to the Royal and Derngate, Northampton, to watch Tilted Wig’s production of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, written and directed by Sean Aydon. Firstly, I should probably point out that it is not recommended for under 12s. If you know the story, you probably realise why, but I have studied Shelley’s work with my daughter, she is fully aware of the story and I made that judgement call to take her. I will include her comments at the end.
Aydon has adapted the story to give his own interpretation, most notably Victor Frankenstein is Victoria, however I was relieved that he didn’t stray away from the main body of the original story so I felt comfortable knowing what I was watching and was able to fully immerse myself into the play without being niggled by inaccuracies and random additions.
The staging was predominantly set in Frankenstein’s laboratory and was so well done I was invested in it throughout. A magnificent skyline window, glass shelves full of bottles and wires and levers aplenty. Lighting, sound effects and dry ice were all used to create the atmosphere in the room, first when Frankenstein conducts their experiment during a stormy night and then on subsequent visits from ‘The Monster’. There are jump scares so if you are a nervous disposition, be warned!
I thought the telling of the story throughout was quite slow. By the time the interval came they had only just created the monster, and knowing the length of the book and what was to come, I thought we were in for the long haul. However, on reflection, I realise this was done with intention. They weren’t trying to retell the whole story. They included the most important parts in greater detail so we had time to think and interpret what was going on. The focus was on the science behind the story. The rights and wrongs of human intervention. The responsibly humans take for this intervention.
Another focus was on our perceptions of what makes a ‘normal’ or ‘perfect’ person. Of course they used the character of ‘The Monster’ for this. However casting Brianne Surgeoner, a double amputee, in the role of Frankenstein’s assistant gave them to platform to challenge the stereotype of what we perceive as normal and what we expect disabled people can- or more to the point can’t – do. I actually think they achieved this without preaching to us. The theme ran seamlessly throughout the play so it didn’t take away from the story at all.
I left the theatre with a mix of emotions. I really enjoyed the play and all it had to offer. I think the cast were great, the writing was superb and the atmosphere was intense! I almost for a moment forgot I was in a theatre and could have been sat watching a big budget tv drama! But mostly I felt sad. Andy Cresswell was incredible as ‘The Monster’ and I wanted to get on stage and give him a big hug! My daughter got very upset at the end. She wanted me to write ‘it was very emotional’.
I highly recommend this. If you are a fan or the classics, or love a good horror or just simply love a good play, I think there are elements for everyone!
Rating: 5/5
Frankenstein runs at Royal and Derngate until 16th November 2024
For more information and to book tickets, visit https://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/frankenstein/