Review | Young Frankenstein | Hope Mill Theatre | 16 October 2025
- Jonathan Rawlinson
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Hope Mill Theatre once again proves why it’s one of the UK’s most inventive producing houses. Its latest show Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, sees Nick Winston return to Hope Mill to direct this outrageously camp and unapologetically silly revival.
We meet Dr Frederick Frankenstein as he inherits his infamous grandfather’s Transylvanian laboratory and vows to distance himself from the family legacy. Naturally, chaos soon takes over and the result is two hour of pure hilarity.
Sophia Pardon’s set design leans into the industrial, with metal-style cladding making up much of the staging. This is brought to life with Matt Powell’s video design which adds an almost cinematic quality whilst transporting us effortlessly to various locations without any clunky set changes. From the galloping horses to the playful end credits, they also inject yet another layer of humour to the production.
Ore Odura has never been better than he is here, leading the cast as Dr Frankenstein (or ‘Fronkensteen’ as he insists). Bursting with charisma and nervous charm, you can’t help but fall in love with Odura’s take on Frankenstein. It is impossible to take your eyes off him when the tap shoes come out, proving just why he won Strictly Come Dancing. Here he proves however that he is so much more than a skilled dancer, with rich smooth vocals and real warmth.
The real standout of the show is Curtis Patrick who steals the show as loyal assistant Igor. Each and every movement and facial expression alone is done with expert comic timing, guaranteed to have you belly laughing whenever he is on stage. Patrick’s chemistry with Odura is absolutely electric, and they are a joy to watch together.
The score is refreshingly varied, but always hysterical. As Frankenstein’s fiancé Elizabeth, Rhiannon Chesterman had the audience in the palm of her hand with ‘Please Don’t Touch Me’ as she made hilariously clear that she wanted nothing less than to get physical with him. The Broadway pizzaz of ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ is the one you’ll be guaranteed to be singing on the way home… but only because it’s impossible to do justice to Nick Winston’s meticulously choreographed tap routines quite like this cast!
Although based on Brooks’ much loved 1974 film, this revival feels fresher than ever with Brooks’ trademark humour still landing impeccably. All too often with comedy musicals, it can all become a little tiresome over a full two act show. With Young Frankenstein however, the pace never drops with the theatre practically vibrating with laughter from beginning to end. If any Hope Mill Theatre production deserves a West End transfer, it’s this one!
Young Frankenstein runs at Hope Mill Theatre until Sunday 30 November 2025.
Note: My ticket was gifted in exchange for a review. This review is based on my honest opinion alone without influence.
