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17 August 2025
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4****
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A former resident of Fyne Court (now a National Trust property) was one Andrew Crossse whose fascination with electricity lead to experiments which would brand him as someone trying to play God. It is believed that one of his lectures was attended by Mary Shelley; the subject of his work may well have influenced her in the writing of ‘Frankenstein’. One of the classic gothic novels of the Victorian era it has been adapted multiple times, but it is always interesting to see a new take.
In so many ways, Mary Shelley was a pioneer; there were not many celebrated female writers at the time and certainly not in the genre of ‘Frankenstein’; Andrew and David Hobbs have been bold in their adaptation by making the scientist at the heart of the story a woman, Victoria instead of Victor. This offers an interesting look at the place of the female in Victorian education and society.
The performance space at Fyne Court offers a splendid location for outdoor theatre, with a variety of areas to utilise and British Touring Shakespeare Company definitely make the most of what is handed to them. On a bright, warm early evening in summer it is not easy to drum up the atmosphere of the novel, but through this version of the story and smart performances they manage to do just that.
The story telling is excellent – with movement back and forth in time clearly defined; the first half bowls along merrily. The second isn’t quite as successful; the lengthy scene between the Creature and Victoria feels like it overstays its welcome and becomes a little repetitive – it holds the production back a bit before picking up again at the end.
Simple costume changes are effected well and without fuss; most of the cast taking on multiple roles. Props and furniture are also generally well chosen – the amazing box which the creature is brought to life through is a wonderful piece of work; it is full of valves and dials and lights; tremendous, but what a let-down to see a pair of modern car jump leads used to transmit the electricity.
As Victoria, Megan Carter is excellent; strong-willed, decisive and flying the flag for her gender; a performance of power and energy. Maximillian L’Olive illustrates his versatility well in his various roles – you are never in doubt who he is playing. Likewise, the ever-excellent, Tom Thornhill whose diction is as clear as any actor you could name – especially important in the open air. Alice Gold and Kate Andrews combine wonderfully as the disruptive students and add that element of comedy to the production to lighten the overall tone. Paul Winterford has a reputation for playing the less conventional characters and as the Creature, he provides another of them; always in the moment, you get a performance of nuance which illustrates the vulnerability and desperation of the monster.
Throughout music is played live by Alistair Smith; his own score which definitely adds atmosphere though some of the underscoring was just a little too loud at times, obscuring the dialogue.
Andrew Hobbs directs with a keen eye on the storytelling and the dramatic sequences are handled really well – engaging the audience and providing tension throughout.
The adaptation works really well and it is performed at full tilt in beautiful surroundings; what’s not to like?
Cast
Megan Carter – Victoria Frankenstein
Maximillian L’Olive – Captain Walton/Professor Kempe/Henry
Alice Gold – Elizabeth Frankenstein/Verrater
Tom Thornhill – Lieutenant/Professor Waldman/Felix
Kate Andrews – Agatha/Mittater
Paul Winterford – The Creature
Creatives
Writer – Andrew Hobbs/David Hobbs
Director – Andrew Hobbs
Original Music – Alistair Smith
Costume Design – Amanda Beauchamp
Prop Designer – Graham Coventry
Stage Manager – Mary Anne Coleman
Photo Credit – Tom Godber
