Frankenstein
Darcy Brown as Dr. Victor Frankenstein
Frankenstein may have been penned over 200 years ago, but Shake & Stir Theatre Company’s adaptation injects new life into this gothic classic with a thrilling, rock-concert-like production at the Theatre Royal. Combining dazzling multimedia effects with a traditional storyline, this adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is an experience that’s as much about spectacle as it is about the tale.
A Rock Concert in a Theatre Costume
Visually, this Frankenstein adaptation is nothing short of a feast for the senses. Despite its minimalist set, the show manages to captivate with its high-tech flair. A bare stage, consisting of simple flat screens, is transformed into something extraordinary through audiovisual projections, vibrant lighting effects, & plenty of pyrotechnics. The contrast between the stark staging & these electrifying visuals feels fresh & dynamic, turning the theatre into a venue that more closely resembles a rock concert than a literary stage production.
Shake & Stir doesn’t just dabble with these effects - they lean into them hard, creating a fusion of theatre & modern performance art that feels unexpected for a centuries-old text. At times, the experience verges on overwhelming, as if Shakespeare & Parkway Drive were thrown together in a creative blender. For audiences craving something bold & visually intense, this interpretation hits the mark. However, those who prefer subtlety might find it a bit much.
Loyalty to the Source, For Better or Worse
While the visuals scream modernity, the script itself stays close to Mary Shelley’s original text. Playwright Nelle Lee’s decision to preserve the language of the novel is a double-edged sword. On one hand, theatre purists & Frankenstein enthusiasts will appreciate the faithfulness to the 19th-century dialogue, as it lends authenticity to the production. On the other hand, this linguistic choice feels somewhat at odds with the cutting-edge technical display happening on stage.
The old English dialogue, juxtaposed with all the pyrotechnics, may feel jarring to some, particularly younger audiences unfamiliar with the source material. In a show so heavily rooted in futuristic design, the language can seem more like an artifact than a living part of the narrative.
Standout Performances with a Small Cast
When it comes to performances, the small cast of five punches well above their weight. Chloé Zuel delivers a moving portrayal of Elizabeth, while Darcy Brown brings a riveting intensity to the role of Dr. Victor Frankenstein. But the true star of the evening is Jeremiah Wray, who plays The Creature with a raw, visceral physicality that’s impossible to look away from. His performance is as agonising as it is magnetic, leaving a lasting impression long after the final curtain.
The choice to keep the cast small allows for a focus on individual performances, with each actor pulling their weight in the overall narrative. It’s a clever decision that enhances the intimate feel of the show, even when the production itself is anything but subtle.
Until October 13. Theatre Royal. $49-$169+b.f. Tickets & Info: frankensteinlive.com.au
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