“the performance is full of energy, at times it feels almost like you are watching a ballet”
If you need to create a spooky Gothic atmosphere then there’s nowhere quite like Wilton’s. A haunting, dimly lit stage, eerie sounds and a haze drifting down into the auditorium. Shivers run down your spine before the performance even starts.
Two people appear on stage, one we soon discover is The Creature (George Fletcher) and the other (Rowena Lennon), we’re left unsure exactly who or what she is. The story starts with a recording, after which we relive the moment that Frankenstein’s creation is galvanised into life. Like a human child, we then witness how the being learns to talk, move and worryingly, start to feel emotion.
The creature in the novel (and in the narrative of this play) is described as a hideous huge beast; George Fletcher who plays the role is neither of those, he’s handsome and of quite normal stature, so at times it’s hard to see him as the grotesque monster he’s portraying. But he does an incredibly good job, his performance is full of energy, at times it feels almost like you are watching a ballet by the way he fills the whole stage with movement. A credit to Movement Director, Tom Jackson Greaves.
Rowena Lennon arguable has a more difficult role to play. She’s billed as ‘The Chorus’ yet appears to not only act out some of the minor parts, but also provide everything from sound effects to creating some moody lighting with the aid of a deftly manoeuvred ‘filament bulb on a stick’ (there’s probably a much better description for that, but you get the idea!).
Next year sees the 200th anniversary of the first publication of Mary Shelley’s novel and it’s seen many an interpretation during the last two centuries. This adaptation (by Tristan Bernays) is fairly true to the original story, but done as it is in near monologue form, makes it an original twist and a delight to watch.
It’s not particularly scary, but it doesn’t need to. This isn’t necessarily a horror story, it’s an emotional tale of a living being, desperate for companionship but with a savage brutality lurking within. Wonderful lighting design (Lawrence T Doyle) in a splendid location combined with a delightfully energetic cast, make this one to watch.
TO MAKE HER STAGE DEBUT AS ‘IRENE’ IN THE NATIONAL TOUR OF THE
WATERMILL THEATRE’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF
“CRAZY FOR YOU”
OPENING AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, PLYMOUTH
17 AUGUST 2017
Jamie Wilson and Gavin Kalin are delighted to announce that Caroline Flack will make her stage debut as ‘Irene’ in the national tour of the Watermill Theatre’s acclaimed production of “CRAZY FOR YOU”. Caroline joins the previously announced Tom Chambers as ‘Bobby’. From the producers of “Sister Act” and “Nativity! The Musical”, the national tour of ”CRAZY FOR YOU” opens at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth on 17 August 2017. Tour listings below.
Caroline Flack won the 12th season of “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2014. She currently presents ITV’s “Love Island” and her previous presenting credits include “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here NOW!” and “The Xtra Factor”. She has also presented “The X Factor”. Prior to presenting, Caroline trained in musical theatre.
Tom Chambers created the role of Jerry Travers in the West End musical “Top Hat”, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. In 2008 he won the 6th season of “Strictly Come Dancing”. He can currently be seen in the hit BBC drama “Casualty” and his other TV credits include “Holby City” and “Waterloo Road”. His recent stage credits include “Private Lives” and “White Christmas” in the West End.
High energy, high kicking and gloriously glamorous, “CRAZY FOR YOU” is the ultimate feel-good musical with a fabulous score from the Gershwin brothers’ songbook. Mistaken identities, plot twists, heartbreak, happiness and a wealth of memorable tunes, including I Got Rhythm, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Nice Work If You Can Get It and Embraceable You, all feature in this exhilarating celebration of the great Broadway musicals.
“CRAZY FOR YOU” is directed by The Watermill’s Artistic Director, Paul Hart, with musical arrangements by Catherine Jayes (The Color Purple, Broadway). It is choreographed by Nathan M. Wright (High Society, Old Vic) and is designed by Diego Pitarch (The Addams Family). Lighting design is by Howard Hudson (In the Heights) with sound design by Tom Marshall (Legally Blonde).
“CRAZY FOR YOU” has Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, Book by Ken Ludwig, co-conception by Ken Ludwig and Mike Ockrent. It is inspired by material by Guy Bolton and John McGowan. “CRAZY FOR YOU” was originally produced on Broadway by Roger Horchow and Elizabeth Williams. Original Broadway Choreography by Susan Stroman.
