Young Frankenstein Theatre Royal Newcastle/Garrick London

Legend. Thanks.

Please read my last post

So, stage height first. Jaysus! I was A7 so third row (full price with a kiss to my sister for my theatre token birthday gift). Front row, your head is below the the stage. Second row eyes seem to be on a level of the stage.

My view was ok. I would go further back, or up, if I went again. If. It's very funny in places, although I found the continual mugging to the audience from practically the entire cast tiresome after a bit. Great comic lines but delivered at a pace that I would expect to be for the benefit of the slowest audience member to catch on. Stellar performances from all, but I would have liked to see someone other than Ross Noble as Igor. There was nothing wrong with his performance, but I feel it could have been even nuttier. I get he's an entertainer, but is he an actor ... Early days, I might be being harsh.

3 stars from me.

From one Anthony to another, welcome to the Board.

Tried today Tix lottery. No luck but went to box office about 12.30 to see if any day seats left. Really lucky and got 2 stalls behind each other for £25 each. Told slightly restricted by pillar but fingers crossed won't be too bad. Report back later.

Just come out, and I have to say I would recommend this to absolutely anyone - provided that you aren't going in expecting 'serious theatre'. Young Frankenstein is pure escapism - silly, humours and genuine comedic flare. An outstanding cast, with a score to match and very good choreography. Whilst the story is completely unrealistic, they loopholes, the stereotypes are all played upon and recognised, making the show itself much stronger and much funnier. The narrative is engaging, and continues at a good speed throughout. Lighting and special are effects are well worth keeping an eye on, many surprises there. I liked the set, almost of a Vaudevillian style, which for the way they are presenting this show, is exactly what they need. Lots of different curtains used, and set pieces which help create a number of different atmospheres. All very effective in my opinion (although some curtain movements were a bit clunky, I would put this down to it being the third performance at the Garrick and would be ironed out soon).
Cast, honestly perfect. Hadley Fraser is charming, funny, and everything Frankenstein should be. Ross Noble as Igor, great comedy, and as a comedian this is a good character for him, as there is not character progression - Igor provides comedic interludes and Ross Noble serves perfectly. Lesley Joseph is a little cracker of energy, loved her performance, and her 'He was my boyfriend...' number is sensational. Shuler Hensley is great as the monster, facial expressions are on point with the emotions he wants to present. Summer Strallen puts over a cracking stereotypical accent for Inga, it is needed like that for the comedy, and plays the ditzy and slightly sluttish girl perfectly (her voice and dancing were two highlights for me). Dianne Pilkington, who I forgot was in this till I read through the programme, whilst not featured for barely more than five minutes in the first act, is comedic perfection as Elizabeth.
The ensemble is all round brilliant, all well in sync in 'Puttin' on the Ritz', which was definitely when Young Frankenstein is at its height of being stagey - it is a very stagey show overall, but one that the general public should love. Other songs that I loved would have to be 'Roll in the Hay', the Act 1 finale, Elizabeth's first number at the ship departure, and the opening for Act 2.

Pretty sure there is some dynamic pricing though. Wouldn't be surprised if, like Half a Sixpence, once this has (hopefully) got some good following if they changed the pricing a bit in the upper level.

Pure fun Leave your critical genes at home and wallow in low comedy bliss

Hadley was great in Newcastle - as was the whole cast! Hope this finds its audience, was great to go and see something that was just pure fun and silliness.

Highly recommend this

Will be going again

Didn't look cheap to me! In fact I thought it looked great and a big show for the Garrick. The beautiful painted backdrops keep coming all night long. If you read the interviews with Susan Stroman it's supposed to be a vaudeville show which it captures perfectly. I'm not sure it needs more in the ensemble either - where would they go? The stage is very full as it is. Brilliant 9 piece orchestra too.

This show is hilarious and the cast are just brilliant. I'm going to try and get a day seat and go again at the end of the week