*** Apologies for the lateness of this review. Covid came calling. *** 

Young Frankenstein is a musical I have waited a long time to see, and if you’ve read my reviews in the past, you know I don’t care if it’s professional or amateur productions. Masqueraders Theatrical Company fall into the latter category, but there was nothing amateur about this offering.  

Always a good indication of a great show is when your partner knows little about it, has reservations, but ends up buzzing at how good it was afterwards. This was the case and even me, who did have high expectations was not disappointed. 

Young Frankenstein is based on the 1974 Mel Brooks’ film of the same name and adapted for theatre in 2007 by Brooks (Music and Lyrics) with assistance from Thomas Meehan on the book. 

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (played by Andy Ward) inherits his grandfather’s castle in Transylvania (complete with his ancestor’s deadly experiments). Despite initial reluctance, he soon sees he can succeed where his grandfather failed, to great comic effect. Ward was excellent as the crazed doctor, particularly in The Brain, a number typical of Mel Brooks’ complicated arrangements. It must be so hard for any MD to reproduce. 

Supporting well was Chad Fletcher in the role of Igor who duetted well with Ward for the genius that is Together Again for the First Time. Then we had Naomi O’Borne as the very high-spirited Laboratory Assistant, Inga. Combining well with the aforementioned two, Roll in the Hay was superb. 

And then we meet Frau Blucher (cue the terrified horse noises), played by Kim Liggins who was simply out of this world in the role. He Vas My Boyfriend is such a good song, but you need a character actor to pull it off and Liggins did just that. 

But the principals just go on, and what a sign of a good show it is when you have so many characters of high-quality writing with performances to do them justice. Freja Brabazon shone as the pushy, insufferable, Elizabeth Benning (excellent in Deep Love and Please Don’t Touch Me) while Ashley Blackstock (Inspector Kemp) and Jenny Chappell (Blind Hermit) both supported well with He’s Loose and Please Send Me Somebody, respectively. 

Now, every version of Frankenstein needs a monster but until Mel Brooks, none had ever tapped on stage to Puttin’ on the Ritz. It’s the highlight of the film and the same is the result here. You cannot help but laugh, as did the entire audience. Richard Yates was amazing as the creature; great expressions, especially in the scenes with the hermit. 

Other numbers of the night from a wonderful ensemble included Transylvania Mania, Hang the Doctor and Hang Him ’til He’s Dead. This looked to be a good company, and everyone seemed to revel in their roles. No airs and graces, either; the cast were even selling programmes and raffle tickets beforehand.  

The director for Young Frankenstein was Mike Chappell (assisted by Abbe Shields) with Musical Direction from David Adams and Choreography by Jenny Chappell. 

A thoroughly enjoyable night and a brilliant show. Will definitely return to see Masqueraders in the future.  

Cheers.

Antony N Britt