The creatives of ‘Frankenstein’ on the dazzling production

This stage version of Mary Shelley’s achingly heart-felt classic Frankenstein has just opened at the Theatre Royal with a cast and production values set to dazzle Sydney audiences.

Shelley’s 1818 story is a take on the Prometheus myth about the Titan who gave humanity the gift of fire, but not without consequence.

This compelling story about the relationship between creator and monster also has modern parallels with the introduction of AI and how humans will employ it.

In this production Darcy Brown (Animal Farm) plays Doctor Victor Frankenstein who creates the monster known only as ‘The Creature’ after recently losing his mother.

“Victor Frankenstein is very ambitious and idealistic but has tunnel vision about his devotion to the occult, sciences and alchemy,” Brown said.

“He is amazed by the world and the magic of what lies under the material things around him and is perplexed by why the modern scientists are failing to delve deeper.”

Fresh from her role as Eliza in Hamilton is Chloe Zuel, who plays Frankenstein’s wife Elizabeth.

“You see Elizabeth from the start of their relationship where family life and things are going well,” Zuel said. “Then you see Victor’s demise and their relationship deteriorate and how his reactions are affecting her.”

Jeremiah Wray (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) plays The Creature, a role that Brown gave him great praise for. “He is an extraordinarily imposing physical presence who goes on an incredible physical and expressive journey that is very touching and moving,” he said.

Wray’s transformation into The Creature is aided by some very clever prosthetic works by Steve Boyle, a master of special effects known for many screen and television productions including Star Wars and Harrow.

“Boyle has created the head piece and the cowl, back piece and scarring and it takes you to another place,” Brown said, adding that Wray’s acting ability is transformative.

“There are some wonderful moments in the show where you see The Creature learning to walk and it’s an astonishing piece of work.”

Frankenstein is a large scale theatrical presentation that has already wowed audiences in Brisbane and Melbourne. “With this production we do have a lot of technical elements and a massive video projection, and multiple revolves and giant flying elements,” Brown said.

However, one of Frankenstein‘s biggest surprises is that it’s an original, home-grown adaptation from the Brisbane-based production company Shake and Stir.

“Shake and Stir’s Nelle Lee (artistic director) originated the story in Queensland another Shake and Stir artistic director, Nick Skubij, is at the helm,” Zuel said.

“This is a really large scale production and it is nice for someone like me who has come from doing a lot of big musicals. It means that I really feel at home in this production.”

Frankenstein
Until October 13
Theatre Royal, Sydney
https://www.theatreroyalsydney.com/events/season-2024/frankenstein/