Kafka’s Metamorphosis – Lyric Hammersmith

Frantic Assembly’s production of Kafka’s Metamorphosis is an outstanding piece of theatre that is certainly West End worthy! This is physical theatre deployed at its finest. Metamorphosis promises audiences an evening of suspenseful drama, curated by a team of incredible actors that are supported by stunning visual effects.

Frantic Assembly is one of the leading British Theatre practitioners that are known for their storytelling through physical nuance. Frantic assembly certainly explores the brutalist in Kafka’s Metamorphosis both through the physical and vocal performances of the actors. Writer Lemn Sissay has worked closely with director Scott Graham to bring their vision to life, adapting the script throughout the rehearsal process so that this piece of theatre has metamorphosed into a masterpiece.

The sound design by Helen Skiera sets the tone of the piece, from when we first walked into the auditorium the audience is greeted with squelched bug noises set to ominous music. The musical pieces composed by Ian William Galloway also help to create suspense throughout the story and help make certain moments of the play harrowing. It was a good decision to have the actors use their natural voices without head microphones. The coming together of the sound and lighting and staging all help to set the scene for Metamorphosis. The Design by Jon Bausor helps to set the time of the play. The way the stage evolves with along the chaos of the story is stunning. The lighting design by Simisola Majekodunmi works well to illuminate the set and flashing lights and blackouts are used to create further suspense. The videos created by Ian William Galloway enhances this further and adds dimensions to the set. Shadows are used throughout the production to help with the metamorphosis.

Felipe Pacheco uses all of his physical skills to show Gregor’s transformation. Felipe performs all of his stunts without a safety harness and gradually develops from a man under pressure to something that is not human. Feline’s vocal work also helps to enhance the characterisation and quickly builds sympathy for Gregor.  Transformation of Gregor from man to insect without any use of prosthetics or costume helps to make this performance powerful and unique.

Hannah Sinclair Robinson brings a lot of youthful energy to the character of Greta. Hannah plays Greta with a playful innocence, and we see the characters journey develop throughout the story as she transforms from a teenager into a young adult. Hannah had some powerful disturbing moments with Gregor that had the audience gasping and did a great job of connecting with the audience during her monologues.

Louise Mai Newberry brought a lot of her natural comedy to the character of Mrs Samsa which broke the tension. This helped with the overall pacing of the piece and helped it to keep rebuilding and growing throughout. Louise also used her physicality well and her frantic fear helped to add to the thrilling atmosphere.

Troy Glasgow used his powerful voice to make Mr Samsa domineering. Troy connected really well with the audience during his monologues and spoke with a Shakespearean quality. One stand out moment in the play was when Mr Samsa also transformed and Troy curled around on the floor completely synchronised with Filipe.

Joe Layton plays two roles in the production and the audience gets to see Joe play two different roles. First as the menacing Chief Clark next as the lodger who gets into conflict with Mr and Mrs Samsa. Joe uses his physical performance skills well to make these two characters very different.

The overall direction in Metamorphosis by Scott Graham is outstanding. The blocking of the whole performance helps to build and break tension between the characters. There were also some impressive disappearing tricks used throughout the production and the physical choreography of the whole performance allowed for some misdirection to help characters appear out of nowhere.

Metamorphosis is not to be missed! This production is the finest example of all the creative elements coming together to build a powerful and suspenseful story. This production is dark and well acted. Audience members that haven’t read the book will equally enjoy the incredible acting and physical performances given by the cast. I’m really excited to see the next show by Frantic Assembly.

Reviewer Jennifer Laishley

Reviewed: 6th February 2024

North West End UK Rating:

•Since the national tour of Metamorphosis began in September 2023 over 20,000 school students across the country will have seen the production which is 35% of the total audience.

•Six members of the Metamorphosis cast and creative team are past graduates of Frantic Assembly’s Ignition programme including associate director David Gilbert, Joe Layton (playing Chief Clerk/ Lodger), Felipe Pacheco (playing Gregor), composer Stefan Janik, Michael Lynch who shot the trailer and Adi Detemo who shot some of the rehearsal and production photography.   Ignition is Frantic Assembly’s free, nationwide talent development programme for young people aged 16-24. It seeks out underrepresented talent in unexpected places, playing a vital role in dismantling barriers that can prevent fresh perspectives from revitalising the Arts. Ignition continues to transform lives, open doors and allows young people to reach beyond what they thought they were capable of.

•2024 Marks 30 years of Frantic Assembly (on 21st October 1994, Frantic Assembly performed their first ever work – a production of John Osborne’s Look Back In Anger at the Taliesin Arts Centre in Swansea).