FRANKENSTEIN. To 16 October.
Southampton
FRANKENSTEIN
by Mary Shelley, selected and reconstructed by Patrick Sandford
Nuffield Theatre, Southampton to 16 October 2004
Tue-Sat 7.30pm Mat 16 Oct 4pm
Runs 2hr 45min One interval
TICKETS: 023 8067 1771
www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk
Review Hazel Brown 29 September 2004
Shelley's words, as well as The Creature, brought to life in new adaptation.Patrick Sandford has gone back to Mary Shelley's original work, 1818 edition, for this faithful stage adaptation of the classic ghost story. The production also celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Nuffield theatre and the second phase of its stylish and innovative refurbishment.
In the depths of the frozen Arctic, a sea captain rescues a young man who reveals he is pursuing someone across the ice. This man is Victor Frankenstein, an ambitious young student who, having discovered the secret of creating life from the remains of the dead, creates The Creature. His tale is enacted on stage in flash back, from his happy home life through the creation of The Creature to his flight in appalled horror. Meanwhile The Creature tries to survive and though initially gentle, his hideous appearance provokes fear, loathing and physical assaults on the part of everyone he meets. In despair, he finally determines to take his revenge on his creator.
There are several layers to this story, thoughtfully dramatized in this production. The profound need for friendship and love, voiced in the first scene by the lonely sea captain, and continuing in the friendship between Victor and Henry, the love between the families in the story, the great sorrow of the The Creature as he realizes how alone he is - leading to his disastrous demands for a mate. The dangers of scientific experimentation and high ambitions, including an examination of where social responsibility lies, are also important strands in the story, brought to the fore in the production.
The staging is atmospheric and haunting, with few props: a ship's mast, a buried chest, a pair of doors at the back of the stage and various small props carried on and off. The lighting is superb, as are the costumes and music. Max Digby is dignified and restrained in his portrayal of The Creature, Ben Porter fulfils his role as the eager, ambitious student who descends into horror and madness and finally cold acceptance of his fate. The rest of the cast support this central duo with skill.
The action is certainly dramatic, with splendid gothic horror touches, but, as is often the case when a novel is adapted, the main characters' speeches are revelations of their thinking, made straight to the audience. However, the clever construction of the play somewhat obviates this and it is a truly impressive theatrical experience.
The Creature: Max Digby
Captain Walton/ Henry Clerval/ Feli: Adam Farr
Elizabeth, Victor's Cousin/ Safie: Lisa McNaught
Victor Frankenstein: Ben Porter
Victor's Father/A Blind Man: William Whymper
William, Victor's little brother: Nathan Hack/Harry Sykes/Simon Paul
Justine, the Maid: Jess Farnhill/ Helen Jolley/ Becky Pennick
Agatha: Mel Kitcher/Natalie Sahota/Olivia Smith
Chorus: James Bourne, Dan Burman, Carl Chandler, Hannah Cowburn, Molly Deacon, Alan Guthrie, Bruce Hunt, Ben Ireland, Abi Linnartz, Arjun Malhotra, Chris Mayo, Jay Palmer, Simon Paul, David Pearce, Dean Peart, Alex Rich, Jill Richards, John Richards, Luke Richards, Lottie Williams
Director: Patrick Sandford
Designer: Robin Don
Lighting: David W Kidd
Composer: Simon Slater
Fight Director: Paul Benzing
2004-10-03 13:57:24