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Frankenstein proves a wonderful creation
REVIEW: FRANKENSTEIN
Cochrane Theatre
THIS great new musical, by Nick Stimson, unfolds with catchy tunes by Jimmy Jewell and opens with Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
A wonderfully brazen Irish star, Orlagh Mulholland, as Madame Charbonneau, is in charge of a travelling freak show.
This itinerant troupe proves to be one of the main attractions of the performance, which grips you from the start. My favourites were the Siamese twins, Katie Carter and Lauren Hember, whose bizarre acting scored an indelible image with me, and stole the show.
They, and Russell Brand look-alike Billy Cullum, consistently performed well throughout the evening and the acting was complemented by the lively costumes of Minna Gibbs-Nicholls.
The plot is based on the original story by Mary Shelley and is imaginatively choreographed by Claire Russ. The actors are drawn from auditions held last year in 18 cities around Britain, and the first round of performances were held in Plymouth last summer.
The cast obviously enjoy themselves, and their exuberance is infectious. None of them is older than 21, and many are still at school. This is the speciality of youth music theatre: it draws on inexperienced young people, and turns them into polished performers in a relatively short period of time.
It’s a great yarn and goths would feel at home with this show. In spite of a fine voice, Frankenstein’s character only just pulls it off; he has to hold the stage alone several times – a tough task, better managed by the hot young adonis which is his creation.
There are some beautiful lyrics – Another’s Face and See the Girl Who Cannot Feel are two that
are utterly memorable, largely because of Lizzie Karani and Joanna Wilson’s lovely voices.
The chemistry between Frankenstein and his creature – Harry Lockyear and Matt Brinkler – works throughout. In spite of the brief, yet adorable presence of Angel (Sarah Middleton), there is an astonishing surprising ending which is a West End must-see.
This show must continue to develop its potential by touring the country, and giving many more audiences the pleasure that London has enjoyed.
FIONA GREEN |
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