The play displayed terrific acting and directing, which captured the true gothic and horrific nature of Frankenstein while incorporating a new layer of intimacy and sympathy.  

 

On the 16th- 19th of November 2022 a new adaptation of Frankenstein was showcased at Headgate Theatre, Colchester. The play by Nick Dear, based on the novel by Mary Shelley, was directed at Headgate by Dr. Paul T. Davies. The creative team produced an immersive atmosphere from the narrative lighting to the eerie sounds and music. Despite the minimal set, every scene was clearly captured through props cleverly altered to represent something new each time. Dr. Davies maximised the small space and made sure that every part of the theatre was used by the actors.  

 

The play started with an original scene created by Dr. Davies showing the failed attempts of Victor Frankenstein’s experiment through the recreation of machinery where each actor played a moving part, the synchronized movements and sounds by each member convincingly represented a scientific process taking part in Victor’s lab. The seating arrangement was traverse which from the beginning made it feel like the audience was on stage with the characters, the actor’s ability to engage both sides of the audience was commendable.  

 

This adaptation refers to Frankenstein’s creation as ‘the creature’ challenging a new perspective towards the monster. The play urged the audience to challenge their views toward disability and get them to think about the negative attitudes toward it. This is achieved by showing that the only character who truly accepted the creature was a blind man. Played by Harry Bowen the creature’s scenes captivated the audience with his raw performance that had the power to leave the audience in awe. It was interesting to see the process of the creature’s path from creation to becoming a sentient being, slowly learning about the harsh reality of humanity.  

 

The brilliant performance of George Deadman playing Victor was one which made the audience turn their heads as he darted around the theatre capturing his chaotic and intense character. Lily Vickers who played Elizabeth, Victor’s fiancée, skillfully acted out the one-sided love between her and Victor which was a result of his selfishness and investment in his work. All the actors playing the Frankenstein’s perfectly illustrated the irregular dynamic of the family who were torn apart by Victor’s experiments and the death of their youngest son William, played by Isabelle Casement.  

 

Towards the end we see the creature's desperation for a partner come to a moving end as she is cruelly taken away by Victor who contributes to the creature's danger to society by pushing him to the extreme. The ethereal performance of the female creature was played by Ella Peartree who grasped the unconscious but present state beautifully. 

 

Every actor involved in the production showed extreme professionalism and talent and some of them played multiple roles completely transforming from their previous characters. From the swift costume changes to the seamless movement of the props, the play led to a compelling and at times funny evening.