Next Stage Theatre Company's Frankenstein is a triumphant start to The Mission Theatre's Autumn season

Chris Constantine as Victor Frankenstein and Richard Matthews as the Creature in Frankenstein

On Monday 6th of September, after a summer of rehearsals, Next Stage’s much - anticipated Frankenstein, adapted by Nick Dear from Mary Shelley’s novel, opened at The Mission Theatre. Directed in thrust by Brian Hudd, making his debut as a director with the company, the play was watched by an appreciative first night audience. Central to the story is the role of the Creature played, in this production, by consummate actor Richard Matthews. Richard, who only two months ago was the recipient of Next Stage’s prestigious Tina’s Trophy for exceptional theatrical work with the company, more than demonstrated in the role of the Creature why he was a worthy recipient of the award.

Richard’s extraordinary physicality and vocal range gives voice to the pent up misery and frustration experienced by the Creature as he is cast out into the world to face hostility and rejection wherever he goes. Umbilically linked to his creator, Victor Frankenstein played with passion and conviction by Chris Constantine, the Creature’s story as depicted in this interpretation is a gripping and compelling one. The scenes between Victor Frankenstein and the aberration to which he has given life are central to the play and held the first night audience gripped. Unsurprisingly a stellar cast, supported by a talented production team, has received outstanding reviews (see below). Tickets are still available here and the show runs until Saturday September 11th.

Review – Frankenstein at the Mission Theatre, Bath

7th September 2021

John Matthews as De lacey and Richard mATTHEWS AS tHE creature

Ian Wallers enjoys an impressive adaptation of a Gothic classic that puts the monster at the focus of the action. 

Frankenstein is certainly back and making his mark on Bath. Following the recent opening of the excellent House of Frankenstein museum in Bath celebrating the life of author Mary Shelley and the creation of her most famous creation, comes an excellent and superbly realised production of Frankenstein the play at The Mission Theatre. Written by Nick Dear, this thoughtful and creative adaptation puts the monster firmly at the centre of proceedings, starting with his rebirth and following his search for understanding, acceptance and ultimately love in an unforgiving society. From the very outset, Richard Matthews portrayal of the monster is magnetically awkward, incredibly skillful and full of pain, hope, anger and naive wonder. It’s a superb realisation of a terribly lost soul, damned and betrayed, cast out by his creator and yet desperate to be accepted.

Chris Constantine as Victor Frankenstein and Richard Matthews as The Creature (Photo Pharos Photography)

Frankenstein is, of course, so much more than a monster story. Written at a time when science was experiencing early breakthroughs in its understanding of areas such as the power of electricity and human anatomy, it is also written by an author dominated by both the romantic notions of poetry, but also the teaching of her father, the philosopher William Goldwin, and the reputation of her mother, the famed feminist innovator Mary Wollstonecraft, who died giving birth to Mary. As such, Frankenstein explores the terrible possibilities of the misuse of the potential powers of the new sciences, with man acting as God and yet failing in his responsibilities to care for the creature he creates. Here is a production that shows there’s so much more to this creature than its looks. This is a creation that learns to speak and read in an effort to desperately become more human. He quotes Milton and uses his almost extreme strength to initially help others, but this is no Marvel superhero, rather a tragic, disowned, fatherless lost creature who is cast out and mistreated by society.

Martin Alsop as the servant, Lydia Cook as Elizabeth and Reynold Leming as Monsieur Frankenstein

The strength in this production comes from Matthews’ ability to show all sides of the monster’s life, from his love of bird song and music, to the terrible revenge he inflicts on those who he sees as doing him wrong. One remarkable passage where he enters the bedchamber of his creator’s new wife, Elizabeth, played with a real strength and yearning by Lydia Cook, to speak to her about what has brought him to her home is full of tension and dark promise.

Absolute credit must also go to Chris Constantine as Victor Frankenstein, all entitlement and self wonder, and yet ultimately careless as to the effects of his grand schemes on those around him. His exchanges with the creature, at one moment full of hatred and anger, the next so impressed with his own powers of creation, are very well delivered.

There is a lot to admire about this brave and very impressive production, with the entire cast worthy of applause for bringing this challenging tale to life against a basic set and minimal props. In addition, huge credit – as ever – should go to The Mission Theatre, a wonderful Bath venue that continues to champion grassroots theatre with an admirable range of productions.

Ian Waller Editor, The Bath and Wiltshire Parent and Bristol Parent.

Frankenstein runs at The Mission Theatre until 11 September. For more information and to book tickets click here