Frankenstein. To 30 October.
Derby
FRANKENSTEIN
by Mary Shelley, adapted by Stephen Edwards
Derby Playhouse To 30 October 2004
Mon-Sat 7.30pm Mat Wed & 16,23 Oct 2.30pm
Audio-described 23 Oct 2.30pm, 27 Oct 7.30pm
BSL Signed 23 Oct 2.30pm, 28 Oct
Runs 2hr 30min One interval
TICKETS: 01332 363275
www.derbyplayhouse.co.uk
Review: Jan Pick 7 October
Monstrous doings electrify the Derby Playhouse.
A sizzling and stormy start to Frankenstein at Derby Playhouse, followed by a slow 20 minutes until the pace picks up and the chilling grip of Mary Shelley's gothic horror story creeps over the audience, building into a genuinely emotional and thrilling evening.
Dramatic occasionally melodramatic with stunning sound effects of fizzing electrical forces and crashing thunder, there are moments when a genuine frisson of fear is felt throughout the auditorium.
Stephen Edwards' clever adaptation, combines elements of the original novel with later manifestations in film, current concerns over genetic engineering and questions about the morality of scientific advance usurping nature.
However some of the early scenes establishing the relationship of Frankenstein with his family seem mawkish, and the comments on real events about the Shelleys and their circle unnecessarily awkward and intrusive.
Fortunately at the centre are two superb performances from Ferdy Roberts as the ambitious Frankenstein, and Alun Raglan as the Creature created by him, acting their roles with great conviction and passion.
Both Sarah Wilder as Elizabeth, Frankenstein's doomed love, and Jane Cameron as the tragic Justine, come into their own as the drama deepens, moving in their desperation and despair as their lives, and those of the people they love, are destroyed by the consequences of Frankenstein's attempts to play God.
Jon Bausor's ingenious single set proves as versatile as the supporting cast, many of whom play multiple roles with great skill. Sound and lighting, essential to creating the tense atmosphere of the drama, work effectively with evocative video images playing in the background to emphasise the themes of the play how far should man's attempts to eradicate disease and reverse death through the discoveries of science be allowed to go?
A moving finale ends an evening that provides a powerful lesson in the consequences of the human desire to play God without thought of the consequences and responsibilities.
Krempe/Old Blind Man/Defence Counsel/Guard 2: Robin Bowerman
Justine: Jane Cameron
Creature/Poor Man : Alun Raglan
Victor Frankenstein: Ferdy Roberts
Henry Clerval/Walton/Son of Blind Man: Andrew Watson
Father/Old Sailor/Magistrate: Robert Whelan
Elizabeth: Sarah Wildor
Waldman/Bosun/Prosecutor/Guard 1: Guy Williams
Mrs Lindt/Poor Woman/Daughter of Blind Man/Young Sailor: Julia Winwood
Willie Frankenstein: Max Chetwyn/Jasper Hardcastle
Director: Uzma Hameed
Designer: John Bausor
Lighting: Lucy Carter
Sound: Matt McKenzie
Music/Musical Direction: Kelvin Towse
Video designer: Kit Lane
Choreographer: Arthur Pita
2004-10-10 13:10:41