“This show is always surprising. And that is saying something because the plot is so well known…The casting and performances – especially from Matthew Backer as Frederick Frankenstein – are inspired and interesting. Backer is phenomenally good..I had a ball and can ask no more of a song and dance show. Highly recommended.” – Veronica Hannon 3.5/5 stars
The small theatre named after a big star is back in business. The first post-pandemic show, Young Frankenstein, is a musical reworking of the black and white 1974 film, but the stage is awash with colour. It feels anarchic, which could be argued, makes for a vivid rendering of comic genius Mel Brooks’s mind.
This reviewer, probably like many punters heading to the Hayes, has a personal relationship with the film starring Gene Wilder (who co-wrote the screenplay with Brooks). It is in my top ten list of favourite comedies. Still, it is the right of every director making a name for themselves to mess with perfection. They probably need to. Alexander Berlage’s fresh takes on Cry-Baby and American Psycho in the same space – which I did not see but heard praised to the hilt – showed he is not afraid to remake a cultural touchstone to his taste and vision. And in this instance, the sparkly high-camp fantasia pays off in many ways.
This show is always surprising. And that is saying something because the plot is so well known. In case you have not seen the film, here’s the short version. A young American professor is embarrassed by his family, so much so he pronounces his last name as Fronkunschteen. He inherits the family castle and soon finds himself back in Transylvania to claim his birthright. While doing so, he meets some very odd people, finds his grandad’s books, and ponders whether he was too hasty dismissing his family’s legacy. He finally decides making a monster from reanimated human flesh is actually a valid career choice.
The casting and performances – especially from Matthew Backer as Frederick Frankenstein – are inspired and interesting. Backer is phenomenally good. Apart from his fine voice, his crack comic timing makes for some of the night’s best moments. His characterisation is broad as required, but Backer still can find subtlety, and as a performer, he has tremendous control. Lucia Mastrantone’s immense experience also comes to the fore. Her severe housekeeper Frau Blucher is so very funny, and she adds value every moment she is on stage. Ben Gerrard is glorious as Inga, the sexy lab assistant Frankenstein falls for. The rest of the cast – Olivia Charalambous as Ziggy, Shannon Dooley as Elizabeth Frankenstein, Nick Eynaud as The Monster, Amy Hack as Inspector Kemp and Luke Leong-Tay as Igor, all contribute good work. At times, among the cast, the willingness to do anything for a laugh backfires, but I will put it down to opening night nerves.
Designing for the tinniest of stages, Isabel Hudson (set), Mason Browne (costume), Trent Suidgeest (lighting) and Nick Walker (sound) have worked their butts off to bring a feast for the eyes and ears. The production makes a strong visual statement. The explosion of colour and movement may exhaust some patrons, and in fairness, it can feel a little breathless on occasions.
It is also impressive that Musical Director Andrew Worboys’ creates such a full sound with only six musicians. Yvette Lee’s sly choreography is a treat; even if I was disappointed, the famous set piece from the film where Frankenstein and the monster do a soft-shoe number in top hats and tails is here a mash-up of dance styles. I had a ball and can ask no more of a song and dance show. Highly recommended.
Veronica Hannon, Theatre Now
Photography: Daniel Boud
18 Feb – 27 Mar 2021
Venue: Hayes Theatre
Performances
Mon – Sat: 7.30pm
Thur: 1pm
Sat: 2pm
Get ready for an electrifying camp gothic spectacular that will leave you in stitches. It’s Alive!!!
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
Director: Alexander Berlage
Scientist Frederick Frankenstein (“it’s pronounced Fronk-en-steen”), grandson of the infamous scientist, travels reluctantly to Transylvania where he has inherited his family’s estate. Before long, he finds himself back in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestor, and with the help of hunchbacked sidekick Igor and yodelling lab assistant Inga, he brings to life a new creature to rival that of his grandfather. But this time when the monster escapes, absolute hilarity ensues.
Young Frankenstein has all the panache and quick-fire humour of the screen sensation, with a little extra theatrical flair. Featuring songs like The Transylvania Mania and the immortal Puttin’ on the Ritz, Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment.
This hilarious musical stars Matthew Backer (Only Heaven Knows) as Frederick Frankenstein, Shannon Dooley (American Psycho), Ben Gerrard (American Psycho, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown), Amy Hack (Caroline or Change, Cry Baby) and Lucia Mastrantone, Olivia Charalambous, Nick Eynaud and Luke Leong-Tay in their Hayes’ debut.
Director: Alexander Berlage
Musical Director: Andrew Worboys
Choreographer: Yvette Lee
Set Designer: Isabel Hudson
Costume Designer: Mason Browne
Lighting Designer: Trent Suidgeest
Sound Designer: Nick Walker
Associate Director: Bernadette Fam
Associate Lighting Designer: Kate Baldwin
Associate Designer: Keerthi Subramanyam
With
Matthew Backer, Olivia Charalambous, Shannon Dooley, Nick Eynaud, Ben Gerrard, Amy Hack, Luke Leong-Tay, Lucia Mastrantone
