Young Frankenstein Musical – Last night Xene and I went along to the opening night of Young Frankenstein at Norwich Theatre Playhouse and it was a Blast!
Ever since the announcement of the show Xene was keen to go and watch, after appearing in her local theatre production of Pantostein a few years back, which I can see did have a few similarities!
Performed by Threshold Theatre Company it was hard to believe this was an amateur production as the performers on stage could definitely rival some of the ‘professional’ shows I have seen, simply wonderful darlings!
Photo Credit : Leo Jerome White
What is Young Frankenstein Musical All About ?
It’s alive! Threshold Theatre Company return this summer with Mel Brook’s electrifying musical, ‘Young Frankenstein’!
The grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania.
With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. “It’s alive!” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds.
The Outstanding Young Frankenstein Cast
Never have I seen so many talented people in one place, usually there are one or two stand out performances, but with every scene and song there became another one to rival the previous!
So its only fair to mention EVERYONE! (listed on the first page of the programme, although if you were part of it i’ve not named you, I applaud you too!)
Photo Credit : Leo Jerome White
The ensemble were captivating, their tap dancing routine and their no touching dance were exemplary, keep an eye out for these names as I predict you will be seeing them in many more great productions. A Huge Well Done to Aiden Pulford, Cathy Wilson, Ellie Keeler, Eloise Cubbin, Georgia Skipper, Jake Champion, Jasmine Harvey, Katie Porter, Kimberley Mason, Nic Gordon, Sophie Chapman and William Hoban.
Giant round of applause to The Production Team – Director Dan Smith, Assistant Director Chris Davidson, Musical Director Kathryn Lines and Choreographer Dan Elliott.
Now onto The Cast! Not even sure where to begin as they were Fabulous!
Joseph Betts was excellent as Dr Frederick Frankenstein, his facial expressions lit up the entire playhouse, he was loud, funny, endearing, tortured by his love interests in more ways than one and he had me laughing out loud more than once.
Photo Credit : Leo Jerome White
Ben Woodward was a great Monster, scary at first, then transforming in to an articulate, caring soul who was just misunderstood, with some killer dance moves! He also had me laughing out loud (see how difficult it was to choose my favourites!)
Photo Credit : Leo Jerome White
Emily Sidwell as Fredericks ‘Assistant’ Inga was perfect, her mannerisms were on point with her dainty little footsteps and her alluring gazes, ,mixed together with her vulnerability, plus she could yodel too!
Photo Credit : Leo Jerome White
In contrast to Fredericks fiancé Elizabeth Benning played by Rebecca Jillings, who played the role to perfection, she totally stole the stage when she ‘arrived’ and she had a killer voice too, some of the best lines in the show, which she delivered spectacularly.
Photo Credit : Leo Jerome White
Leo Oakley was a brilliant Inspector Hans Kemp, with a mix of Inspector Clouseu and Officer Crabtree, he switched between the spokesman of Transylvania and a bumbling fool, with perfection!
Photo Credit : Leo Jerome White
Rowena Croston-Clegg was amazing as Frau Blucher, she was stern, funny, loving, scary, all rolled into one! She had amazing stage presence and I am excited to see what she appears in next.
Photo Credit : Leo Jerome White
James Bell as Igor was HILARIOUS! From the moment he appeared on stage it was a crazy, zany buzz of enthusiasm, Together Again For The First Time set the tone for his amazing energy throughout the entire show.
Photo Credit : Leo Jerome White
And finally…. For one scene only, that both Xene and I agreed was probably the funniest scene of the show was Zac Sowters portrayal of Harold The Hermit! The interaction between Harold and The Monster was marvellous and the funny little quips about the death trap hut, were inspiring, he had the audience full belly laughing, I can’t wait to see future productions with him starring.
As you can see the production is a Riot from start to finish, and if you are wondering what to do on a rather crisp May/June evening, then get yourselves down to Norwich Theatre Playhouse this week, you won’t be disappointed!
It is a funfest of hilarity from start to finish, perfect for all members of the family, the younger audience members that were sat near us were in fits of giggles throughout!