Everyman and Playhouse Youth Theatre present Frankenstein

Nov 12 2009 by Laura Davis, Liverpool Daily Post

THE Everyman will be transformed into the harsh landscape of northern Scotland for its youth theatre annual production. Mary Shelley’s classic horror story, Frankenstein, is being brought to life for a two-day run.

The gothic novel has been adapted for the stage by Liverpool playwright Helen Newell, and around 30 people, aged 12-19, have been rehearsing the show since the summer.

“This piece has something for everyone,” says Chris Tomlinson, Everyman and Playhouse Youth Theatre director.

“Everyone on stage will get to say something and be involved in at least two or three scenes.”

The over-ambitious Dr Victor Frankenstein is played by two different people – 17-year-old James Smith as the young man and 16-year-old Harry Machray as the doctor’s older self.

The role of his tragic wife, Elizabeth, is taken by 15-year-old Imogen Free, who is involved in the show because she wants to follow a career as a writer, while the Creature is played by John Burns, 19.

The original Everyman Youth Theatre was founded in the mid-70s and became one of the most successful in Britain with, at its peak, a membership of over 300 young people.

Many of its current members are keen to follow in the footsteps of youth theatre graduates Ian Hart, David Morrissey and Cathy Tyson.

Harry says: “I want to go into acting full-time and I probably wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for the Everyman.

“I’m definitely a better actor than when I started and I’ve learned lots of good techniques.

“They break you down and rebuilt you in the mould of your character.”

Whitney Suku, who plays Prof Krempe and a ghost in the show, says: “I’d like to make it in the world of the theatre – I love performing and this is a great way in.

“I have been to other youth theatres but I haven’t got as much out of them because here you know they’re going to go the whole way for you.”

Imogen adds: “I want to write and this is really useful for that, especially the improvisation side.”

With period costumes and incorporating live music played by the young people, this will be the Youth Theatre’s third full production since their return to the Theatres in 2007

FRANKENSTEIN is at the Everyman on Friday and Saturday. Tickets £6.50 from 0151 709 4776.