Frankenstein, Tilted Wig Productions Review
Reviewed by Sam for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Frankenstein was originally written by Mary Shelley in 1818 and is still a popular read and well-respected novel to this day. Tilted Wig presents a new, modern telling of the classic scientific fiction / gothic horror novel with a twist for the main characters.
This adaptation tells the story of an ambitious and gifted scientist, Victoria Frankenstein (Emily-Jane McNeill) who succeeds with her experiment, with help from her trustee sidekick Francine (Brianne Surgeoner) and creates a ‘monster’ by reconstructing a human body. However, giving life to limbs sewn together comes with severe consequences and leads to a number of deaths caused by The Creature (Andy Cresswell).
Interestingly, Frankenstein is a female in this production but a male in the original novel, so I thoroughly enjoyed the gender swap for the main characters. There were also a number of modern-day references, for example, Elizabeth referring to whether Victoria Frankenstein is interested romantically in males or females.
I preferred this stage adaptation over Shelley’s novel because I was able to visualise and hear what was going on. The novel didn’t grip me when I read it in 2021, and I found it hard to follow at times, but I believe this production by Tilted Wig is clear, attention-grabbing and will leave you wanting to know what happens at the end. Although, I couldn’t remember the novel in detail, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a live performance of Frankenstein but if you are also not a fan of the book, you will certainly be of the show. It has you looking from left to right trying to keep up with the pace of how quickly things escalate for Dr Frankenstein.
While you’re watching you will experience various emotions. Empathy, horror, sadness, strength, determination and possibly relief. Everything is well acted in this production, and I believed everything I was watching from all of the cast – Emily-Jane McNeill, Basienka Blake, Tawana Dingembira, Lydia Whitehead, Brianne Surgeoner and Andy Creswell.
I also admire the above casting. Although, a relatively small cast, it’s diverse and has a good representation of race and ethnicity as well as disability. I wish we saw more people with disabilities on stage and Surgeoner’s monologue at one point had me welling up because I think the points she makes to Frankenstein probably have some truth in it today sadly. I thought Surgeoner’s performance was brilliant. Not only did she have to portray a character people often dismissed in those times, but she was also loved by those around her and found her place within the world. I really respected the character’s strength throughout the entire show.
The music, composed and designed by Eamonn O’Dwyer is very fitting. There’s a fantastic level of tension building, and it keeps you in suspense throughout. There were times I wondered when the next jump scare would be because the music was so eery and unpredictable.
The lighting by (Jason Addison) and set design were incredible. As soon as the curtain went up, I loved the intimate scene with the wooden shack and the storytelling from Captain (Blake). It felt cosy and homely and then when the set was pulled apart for a flashback into the laboratory, it revealed a light and lively environment. I thoroughly enjoyed how this was done. Everything connected well and complimented the overall show.
Frankenstein is not suitable for those under 12 years old however, you can watch it at the Lichfield Garrick until Saturday 12 October 2024. Buy your tickets here for an early Halloween treat. Your jaw will drop at one particular scene with The Creature but there are no spoilers from T&T, you need to go and see.
★★★★
