Frankenstein
In 1816, at only 18 years old, Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, now considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century and the birth of the science fiction genre. Still, 207 years later, Shake and Stir Theatre Company presents Frankenstein at the Princess Theatre.
Leading the cast of six was Darcy Brown (The Twits, Animal Farm, Peter Pan Goes Wrong), as Victor Frankenstein. Brown was able to snap Victor's madness back to level-headed at the start of his story so that the audience could watch his descent into madness.
Brown’s scenes with Jeremiah Wray (James and The Giant Peach, Bluey’s Big Play, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child) as The Creature, were brilliant, especially when Brown was hissing and trying to shoo The Creature away.
Wray delivered an absolute standout performance. From the moment he was brought to life, Wray was a commanding presence on the stage - the sequence of learning to use his body was such a highlight with perfect use of the revolve.
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Images by Joel Devereux
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The threatening scenes between Wray and Brown were remarkable with the strength of Wray truly terrifying. These scenes successfully highlighted the difference between the childlike innocence that Wray gave to The Creature in Act 1, compared to Wray’s Creature of nightmares in Act 2.
Four actors created the rest of this cast, all playing a variety of characters as well as narrating the story, they are: Chloé Zuel (Hamilton, Six, Ragtime), Tony Cogin (The Mousetrap, Muriel’s Wedding Musical), Nick James (A Christmas Carol, Jane Eyre), and Anna Lise Phillips (The Clearing, Harrow, Devil’s Playground, Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries).
(Spoiler’s ahead… skip this paragraph if you want to avoid the spoiler for the 200 year old book!) All of the death scenes in the performance were incredibly convincing. The movement, power, and conviction of the actors was outstanding and such a compelling watch. The work of Nigel Poulton as movement and fight director must be congratulated here, as all of the fights, and deaths were fully realised on stage to make The Creature into the horrifying monster we expected him to be.
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Trent Suidgeest's incredible lighting design brought Frankenstein to life. The lighting helped build the world around the dynamic backdrops and minimal set pieces. However, whenever set pieces were used over the video screens, they were always used to their full effect.
Unfortunately, the sound in this show was unbalanced, particularly in big moments that overpowered the dialogue. Unfortunately, this also happened right at the end of the show, while The Creature definitely spoke, what he said will forever remain a mystery. I expect that this was just the experience for those at the back of the dress circle, and is something I hope gets resolved for other patrons in these seats!
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Images by Joel Devereux
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While some technical issues took away from the overall experience, Shake and Stir have delivered a brilliant adaptation of Frankenstein. Jeremiah Wray’s portrayal of The Creature is something you really don’t want to miss!
Frankenstein plays at Princess Theatre until September 1.
