Frankenstein

The Neptune production of Frankenstein superimposes Mary Shelley?s novel of 1816 on top of the famous 1931 movie that starred Boris Karloff. The result is both familiar and original. This version delves deep into the themes of belonging, acceptance and how far is too far when it comes to science. Stephen Gartner is a splendid Creature. He characterizes the monster as a giant, albeit brilliant, toddler longing for love and wreaking havoc when he is rejected at every turn. Victor Frankenstein (Seann Gallagher) comes off as the true monster, a man so selfish, shallow and driven that he uses and abuses the people around him. The supporting roles are very well cast, with a particularly nice turn by Elizabeth Richardson as Frau Frankenstein. This is also a glorious produciton to look at, with its mad-scientist laboratory and creepy gothic feel. Thought-proving and entertaining, Frankenstein is eerily good. ?Kate Watson