Plymouth Theatre Review

Easy to Follow: 5

Family Friendly: 3.5

Must see: 5

Title: ‘Young Frankenstein’

Venue: Devonport Playhouse

Date: 09/10/2024

Plymouth Theatre Company have delivered a spooky season treat like no other with a monster hit in their production of ‘Young Frankenstein.’ High energy, exceptional talent and hysterical comedy were at the heart of this fast paced and thrilling show. As always, Plymouth Theatre Company have set the bar high, delivering a stunning production that throughly impressed.

The set was imaginative and interactive, instantly pulling the audience into the world of Dr. Frankenstein. Every element of the design was crafted with detail allowing the cast a dynamic playing space, giving them the freedom to play with the absurdity and fun at the heart of the this parodic musical. The most impressive elements of the set were the moving set pieces (complete with revolving doors and elaborate monster making laboratory) which immersed both actor and audience into the darkly comedic world of Frankenstein. The cast used every inch of the space with perfection, bringing Mel Brooks’ story life with dedication, finesse and precision.

The cast, without exception, was brimming with talent, each bringing an infectious energy to the work. The principle cast were nothing short of outstanding in both their vocal talent and comedic timing with every single performer capturing the quirky absurdities of their characters that make ‘Young Frankenstein’ such a great story.

Barely off the stage throughout was Ben Farmer as Dr Frankenstein. His performance was exemplary, perfectly capturing the essence of the character with charm and seamlessly blending a brilliant vocal performance with subtle physical comedy.

Likewise Freddy Honywill’s portrayal of Igor was a masterclass in physical comedy and characterisation. He hilariously executed this role with perfect comedic timing and forged an undeniable rapport with the audience. Every twitch, sideways glance and exaggerated gesture was met with raucous laughter from the audience making him a comedic highlight of the evening along with Teresa Douglass as Frau Blucher. Douglass brought an abundance of hilarity to the stage and often had the audience in stitches without having to utter a word. Both Douglass and Honywill’s scenes were a delightful showcase of physical comedy, wit and musical skill, cementing their place as audience favourites in the hearts of everyone to witness their mastery on stage.

Other notable performances from Nicole Hunter as Inga and Nichola Holdship as Elizabeth Benning, who both stunned with their impressive vocal skills, delivering spine tingling performances that perfectly displayed their vast talents. I would be doing a disservice to the wonderful Michael Luya not to mention his performance, I loved his portrayal of The Hermit, and particularly enjoyed the playful way this character was portrayed, making the role his own but staying true to the absurd nature of the character. A particular highlight of his performance was the skilful and hilarious nod to Elphaba from ‘Wicked’ at the end of ‘Please send me someone.’ Likewise, Tony Outersider as The Monster and Bart Gamber as Inspector Hans Kemp both deserve mentions for their outstanding performances, bringing both physical comedy and adept vocals to the show, showcasing their versatility as performers and storytellers. Their roles were delivered with unwavering commitment and the depth they brought to these larger than life characters helped to create a cohesive and engaging world for the audience.

The ensemble too, were nothing short outstanding and were a critical part of the shows success. The high energy and passion brought by each member of the ensemble was apparent from their first appearance and they added texture and an abundance of energy to every scene they appeared in. What truly set this production apart from others is the cast’s dedication to making the show their own. This unique interpretation bolstered by the cast’s remarkable chemistry and enthusiasm, gave it a fresh twist that made this production feel new and exciting in ways that other cast’s I have seen perform this material have failed to do. This show was a laugh-out-loud spectacle, bursting with high energy and talent, their dedication to the quirky and absurd characters and sharp humour makes for a highly entertaining and comical performance.

In the end, this production of ‘Young Frankenstein’ was a triumphant start to the halloween season, delivering all the thrills, chills and laughs an audience could hope for. With a perfect blend of humour, heart and sheer talent, Plymouth Theatre Company has once again proven why they are a force to be reckoned with. This show is a must see and with such a talented cast and creative team behind it, it’s no wonder the audience left the theatre with broad smiles on their faces and excitement in their hearts.

Review by Ami Philpott