Frankenstein
What the Frank Did I Just See…???
Reviewed by Karina Lawrence
An absolute masterpiece of thrilling theatre that will keep you enticed, engaged and literally on the edge of your seats. It will certainly take your breath away and you may need a little time to ground, from the intensity of this superb production.
The Theatre Royal in Sydney was ablaze with a Gothic Glamour Theme, blue carpets and a list of A-line celebrities for the opening night of Frankenstein that is playing for a limited season.
I really didn’t quite know what to expect for this show, yet along with the mixture of excited theatre goers, there was a certain buzz of excitement that filled the air with some fabulously themed costumes and glamorous style.
Frankenstein, an extraordinary tale of creation and humanity, retold in a large-scale theatrical event.
Produced by Shake and Stir Theatre Co and John Frost for Crossroads Live, this incredible piece of art and theatre offers a diverse and impactful experience for its audience.
Starring a star studded cast of Darcy Brown, Tony Cogin, Nick James, Anna Lise Phillips, Jeremiah Wray and Chloé Zuel.
Watching these award winning actors share their incredible talents on stage is a gift in itself. 
Darcy Brown who plays Victor Frankenstein, a grieving but brilliantly ambitious young scientist, pushes the boundaries of theory and morality to create a living being from the remains of the dead.
But playing God has its consequences…
Victor’s miracle of science becomes a monster that threatens to destroy everything his creator holds dear.
Darcy is extraordinary in this role and keeps you both captivated and yearning for his obvious need of empathy for his ‘extreme creation’ and clearly complicated mind.
Directed by Nick Skubij this production will hit you to the core and leave you feeling an assortment of emotions.
Another treat is watching the embodiment of The Creature played by none other than Jeremiah Way who featured in the landmark production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. We see the many layers and desires that we all long for and wish to experience as humans, in being accepted and not being judged from our appearances. He delivers moments of a soft loving giant than completely flips with the contrast of his devilish ways, right before your eyes hauntingly so, clearly defeated by the pain of abandonment and isolation, leading into acts of revenge.
We are also treated to the special talents of Chloe Zuel that has a list of acclaimed theatre shows to her name including Hamilton and Six. Another mesmerising and captivating performance in her main role as Elizabeth.
The cast is small yet mighty with the exceptionally talented actors playing multiple roles during the night. Fully immersed and showcasing their impactful embodiment of characters and absolute focus, particularly with the depth of content and theme of the show.
Combining cutting edge production elements with the power of virtuosic storytelling, Frankenstein is a night of thrilling theatre of monstrous proportions – bringing Mary Shelley’s classic screaming into the 21st century.
The first science fiction novel of its time exploding into this gothic masterpiece.
Now, the production is absolutely next level. You are immersed in the effective yet simplified sets and futuristic video production that has you changing between scenes effortlessly.
The Creative Team certainly brings this performance to a new age of evolution. Creative Production by Ross Balbuziente and Designer Josh Mcintosh is truly remarkable.
The Lighting Design by Trent Sudgeest and Video Design by Craig Wilkinson takes you into new worlds, as we intertwine with season changes and intimate, cleverly revealed sets that only immerses you, drawing you into the layered emotions felt with every character. Its brilliant!
The costuming and Creative Make Up Design from Steven Boyle enhances this production beautifully as with the choreography of movement in scenes right from the birth of this deranged creature, through to his desired request of acceptance and finally as he reaches the breaking point and kills the very being that has been the only one to offer the kindness he seeks. Movement and Fight Direction by Nigel Poulton enhances this production along with the Sound from Designer and Composer, Guy Webster.
This performance is triggering and haunting, yet as with every experience in life, a balanced reminder of compassion and understanding and ultimately the desires of humanity with its cravings of companionship and connection is also evident.
It’s beautifully damaging if there’s such a thing, that I’m sure many can relate to particularly in today’s world.
You will be astonished with this thrilling and quite unforgettable experience, it’s powerful and exhilarating and definitely worth the experience in being in the presence of these incredibly talent actors and creatives.
Playing for a limited time until October 13th so be sure to get in quick and grab your tickets NOW at https://frankensteinlive.com.au/
