A MONSTROUS hit has grasped Wokingham Theatre.
Frankenstein holds the stage – and the audience – in its grip.
This week, Rona Munro’s fine adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel is delivered with expert precision by senior members of Wokingham Youth Theatre.
But a youth production this is not; expect mature performances of the highest calibre from this company, if you dare to see Frankenstein.
But, dare you must, because it is a production to challenge even the best that adult Wokingham Theatre members can, and regularly do, offer audiences.
At 18 years old, author Mary Shelley dreamed up a monster, whose tragic story has captured the imaginations of generations.
In this adaptation of the horrific tale, Rona Munro places the novelist right in the middle of the unfolding drama, orchestrating the action as she deliberates on her literary choices.
Under Mary’s creative influence, ambitious young scientist Frankenstein makes an audacious attempt to rob Mother Nature of her secrets, and breathes life into a gruesome corpse.
It is an electrifying moment that Mary and her protagonist share – along with a horror of what he has done.
The story, filled with hope, passion, despair and horror, is powerfully delivered by this young cast.
Director Indigo Hogg, says: “I’m immensely proud of these young performers.
“The production has taken several months to achieve, but they have brought so much energy, enthusiasm and curiosity to the process, dug deep, and discovered very mature performances.”
An exceptionally beautiful storybook backdrop for the Wokingham show has been created by theatre member Hope Lawrence.
“It’s gorgeous, ” says Indigo.
“We’re really grateful that all our adult theatre teams have really supported this production so well,” she continues.
“They’ve done an amazing job, and helped to create something spectacular.”
Then she laughs: “Having a baby, myself, during the rehearsal process has added an interesting twist to the production.
“The themes of parenthood in this piece have really stood out for me, and of the responsibility that comes with bringing someone into the world.
“Frankenstein shirks that responsibility, of course, deserting the creature he has chosen to create.”
As the story unfolds, rejected by his maker, Frankenstein’s creature desperately tries to make sense of the world and his origins.
But isolation, rejection, broken promises, and a dawning realisation of the horrific truth push him, like his creator before him, towards the darkest regions of human existence.
Frankenstein offers interesting parallels with the ‘identities’ we are creating in terms of artificial intelligent life.
It begs important questions: Who is in charge? And what might be the consequences, for us and for them, of the silicon creations we are choosing to birth?
You will certainly have plenty to discuss, once you’ve seen it.
Is it fiction? Is it science?
It’s brilliant.
Don’t miss it.
Frankenstein can be seen at Wokingham Theatre, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week, February 19 to 21.
Performances are at 7.45pm, with an additional matinee on Saturday at 2pm.
Tickets cost £11 for adults, £6.50 for children, and £10 for theatre members.
For information and tickets, visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk
