Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1797-1851) written when she was just 21, is a story most people know the basic interpretation of; a classic horror novel and a prime example of Gothic genre. An ambitious scientist Victor Frankenstein, creates a human-like creature from reclaimed body parts of the dead in an attempt to unlock the secrets of life.
Whilst successful in his venture of the creation of such a hideous being, Victor has not considered how it will survive on its’ own in a condemning world without love and compassion. The unnamed creature becomes violent and murderous after being rejected by Victor and society.
No, the monster itself is NOT called “Frankenstein”, who knew that?
The original story has been followed up by more movies and adaptations than one can easily count, but now this state-of-the-art stage production ‘FRANKENSTEIN’ is playing at The Princess Theatre in Melbourne.
I felt privileged to attend the premiere amongst an eager crowd dressed for the occasion in gothic glamour. Many attendees went to great lengths in their efforts to fully immerse themselves in the eerie atmosphere. I sat next to a lovely girl who wore a delicate black-beaded crown over dramatic face-paint, making her into a gothic inspired Goddess wearing an unusual mini-length black lace jacket with tiny red rose-trimmed bell sleeves, fish net stockings and extremely high shiny patent boots (a perfect op-shop find). She looked amazing!
Going by the audience, I imagine the show will pick up a cult following fairly quickly. My neighbour said she already had tickets for another day as well. This is a show you can dress up for in the theme for sure and if you are already into the Gothic coven or just love wearing black, well it’s definitely a can’t-miss opportunity!
The curtain opens to a foreboding ship I immediately think could be used for Titanic, not Frankenstein. It is soon to be revealed that the adventurous captain of this ship is very much like Victor Frankenstein whom he stumbles across and will tell his story to the fearless captain in spite of the imploring crew begging to turn back from likely Arctic demise ahead. This captain is not unlike Victor himself, so will he take heed from the scientist’s advice?
Darcy Brown as Victor is superb in returning to reprise the role, as is Jeremiah Wray entirely believable as his creation. The ‘coming to life’ in every twitch, roll and curl was similar to watching a contemporary dance movement, followed by haphazard steps like a toddler starting to walk – a giant one.
The use of rotating stage pieces and an authentic costumed cast of just six, who embody all the characters, is a faultless combination in execution of every aspect of this extraordinary spectacle; especially as few actual physical set pieces are used for a show of this magnitude. However, it does not need more.
Fog, lighting and digital imaging goes beyond anyone’s expectations of a custom built set and darkness at certain points in the show is extreme. You’ll be sitting in the theatre unable to see anything at all in one scene – quite a surreal moment. There will be ‘loud’ and there will be ‘silence’. It all brings reality to this monster theatrical masterpiece.
Advanced technical abilities in the creative team are obvious in the most incredible hanging light panels that move and change seasons, scenery and worded writings. An enormous forest can appear in front you with vivid colour switching gradually the coldest winter to the brightest spring and day into night. The live characters on stage run through the pictures and become part of the imaging. It is genius technical work combined with genius lighting work setting the show apart from anything else you could see in Melbourne right now.
The woods fire scene was my favourite, but I must say I was glad when the larger-than-life luminous screens took over from the pyro on stage and the hut abode (of the family that the creature had hoped to befriend) disappeared into the background, leaving us in a very realistic post-fire haze. This is stage magic at its best!
Such a night of encountering this gripping science-fiction narrative of violent shatterings between human emotion and torturess revenge wouldn’t be complete without a few jumps in your seat! I was no exception and I entertained the row behind me I think with a little squeal one time that I didn’t expect. Certainly don’t go on your own with a lonely walk to the car afterwards. Though I will mention there are some lighter comedy moments too.
Throughout, the plot follows the traditional story, but modernised in its presentation. It is remarkable to think that this story is centuries old and still draws consistent interest…. the ending is a shock as are deaths in earlier parts of the show, and, even if you know the story very well, you won’t necessarily see things coming…
BEWARE, you’re in for a dark night to remember!
