The show begins in a haze of thick fog; it’s eerie and unsettling but the ideal atmospheric start for a gothic horror story. Composer Guy Webster selects the beautiful classical music of Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune which adds drama and intensity.

Frankenstein is the story of a young ambitious scientist’s morbid obsession of life and death. Experimenting with cadavers he is determined to give life to his own creation. When he finally succeeds, he abandons the creature in horror. Shunned by society and desperate for companionship, the monster enacts revenge on his creator.

Brought to stage by Shake & Stir Theatre Company, the team behind Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, Animal Farm and Fantastic Mr Fox. The Brisbane company continues its tradition of reinterpreting classical literature for the modern stage. Originally known for its leading contemporary youth theatre shows the independent theatre company has since stretched its repertoire with shows including Sister Act and 1984.

This stage production of Frankenstein is engrossing, every cast member brings energy and charisma to the performance and audiences will be swept up in the suspenseful drama but it’s the highly creative, technical production value that deserves the gold star.

Led by Josh McIntosh, the stage design and technical innovations are stellar. The digital backdrop of moving-picture panels combined with an ever shifting floor, give the production depth. The high tech scenery of Craig Wilkinson (Video Designer) transitions the audience from forest to library to laboratory, transporting through time and place, making the tale an epic journey. Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest use of low-lighting and shadow creates a moody atmosphere. The immersive production is showstopping, especially when the creature is brought to life the stage lights up, crackles of electricity and sparks fly.

At six-foot-four Jeremiah Wray already has a strong imposing presence; as ‘the Creature’ he is spine tingling. When he first steps onto the stage as the newly created monster, it’s hard to believe a human is playing the role. Steven Boyle’s (an SFX master whose effects work has been seen in 2005’s King Kong, Star Wars and What We Do in the Shadows, amongst other blockbuster productions), grotesque prosthetic works and make-up design is frightening. It’s a physically demanding role however Wray movements contort and show masterful control. He stumbles, bends and falls, jerking and writhing across the stage in a monstrously disturbing way. The creature is terrifying. And yet over the course of the story, the character develops into a complex being that evokes sympathy and compassion. 

The characters the audiences meet at the start of the show are much changed by the end. Victor Frankenstein, played by Darcy Brown, morphs from a bumbling nervy student to a man spiraling into madness as he is overwhelmed with guilt. The kind-hearted cheery father (played by Tony Cogin) reduced to a broken man destroyed by the tragedies.

Collectively, the cast is impressive. The production is supported by Chloe Zuel, Anna Lise Phillips and Nick James, who play multiple roles. Special mention to Zuel who shows beautiful strength and vulnerability as Elizabeth (Victor’s love interest and childhood friend).

The epistolary tale still manages to shock the audience, evidenced by the collective gasps of horror. An incredible feat considering the story is so well-known.

Frankenstein has been adapted many times since it was first written by Mary Shelley in 1818. Hollywood adaptations made Frankenstein into a unthinking monster but this version directed by Nick Skubij and adapted by Nelle Lee (co-founders of Shake & Stir) stays true to Shelley’s story, here the creature is intelligent and agonises over his lonely existence reflecting: “loneliness is the cruelest of companions”.

Written over two centuries ago, the cautionary tale still rings true today. The ‘creature’ was not ‘born’ a monster. It sought knowledge and wisdom yet was rejected time and time again, became filled with rage. It encourages us to question, how different is Frankenstein to our own technical revolution and Artificial Intelligence advancement? Frankestein challenges questions of humanity, power and ethics. It speaks to a lack of understanding creating downfall and destruction.

Frankenstein is an extraordinary, thrilling production.

5 stars.

Playing until 13 October 2024. For tickets visit Theatre Royal Sydney