Frankenstein (On a Budget) – Pleasance Dome (Jack Dome)

Lamphouse Theatre returns to Edinburgh with a variation on its winning theme. Frankenstein (On a Budget) follows hot on the heels of their highly successful War of the Worlds (On a Budget).

As the title suggests, there’s no fancy set or fancy props or even fancy costumes. What you will find is oodles of creativity and playfulness galore. Tom Fox and Becky Owen-Fisher clearly enjoy their work and their enthusiasm and silliness transfers to the audience whose shoulders shake with laughter. It is a very happy hour of nonsense with a Becky-fan or two in the audience.

Fox is our performer, Owen-Fisher the narrator. The show involves a lot of costume changes at speed and more than a handful of home-made props. Fortunately, Fox is multi-talented and can sing and do voices with ease. Owen-Fisher devised the show, along with the company, and she wrote the lyrics. Rebecca Applin takes credit for the music. No doubt, the director, Mercè Ribot, had a ball during rehearsals.

It’s fast paced and friendly and involves a little audience participation which was warmly welcomed. No need to have read the book or seen the films, this is the zany, condensed version of Mary Shelley’s lasting legacy to the horror genre.

This is an ensemble piece, despite Fox as a solo performer: this monster required a host of makers in the background, all deserving of a Blue Peter Badge.

Lamphouse Theatre’s slapstick comedy may be on a shoestring, but the shoe itself is very comfy and reassuringly clownish.  Supported by Arts Council England and audience donations, this format offers entertainment galore … on a budget!

Reviewer: Kathleen Mansfield

Reviewed: 4th August 2024

North West End UK Rating: