Writer: Owen Booth
Adaptor and Director: Zoe Seaton
Frankenstein’s Monster’s true wish, expressed at the end of the book, was that his “spirit will sleep in peace.” Owen Booth’s excellent short story, from which this play is produced, imagines an alternative for the composite man. This version of his extended life is presented vibrantly, hilariously, and touchingly by Northern Ireland theatre group Big Telly who bring new meaning and understanding to one of Gothic Literature’s most resonant characters.
After spending a few years as a darling of Hollywood, the Monster finds himself frozen into an Alpine glacier. He’s found by villagers in 1946, thawed out with hairdryers, and falls in love with the village’s strongest and most headstrong woman (she had beaten up half the men in the village, and drank the rest under the table).
Theirs is a sweet, unconventional story, two outsiders finding a connection. We follow them through their life together – their ostracisation from village life and eventual acceptance, their marriage struggles, domestic life, his portfolio of jobs including movie extra and mountain rescuer. The title refers to a memorable night where the Monster celebrates a little too much – a funny image, just one of many created by the well-crafted storytelling. From the smallest of homely details to broad sweeps of thinking about the nature of life and love, the production (and underlying story) gives this Monster a personality we can relate to. It’s sweet and domestic and normal, except it’s anything but.
The couple are supported by multiple other characters like other villagers, and staff and guests at the small hotel they open as well as a pair of narrators. With four performers, there’s a fair amount of switching happening – though through all the changes of persona and scenery they keep it smooth and entertaining. The changes only add to the stylishness and rich texture of the show where we get variety that all makes perfect sense like a song-and-dance style Puttin’ On the Ritz, a catty bingo caller and exquisite tenderness when the couple reveal moments of their familial heartbreak.
Rhodri Lewis as the monster is lovely to watch , wide-eyed and vulnerable, but impervious to cold and super strong, his movement creates the character more than the wording. As his wife, Nicky Harley shows ideal comedy timing. Taking care of the host of other characters are the versatile and charming Chris Robinson and Vicky Allen.
Coming in hot from a well received run at Belfast International Arts Festival, it’s off to New York next with this show. With so much going for it creatively and emotionally, it looks set to continue generating well deserved praise from whatever audience has the pleasure of seeing it.
Runs until 29 October 2022
