Monster musical comedy comes alive in Potters Bar

Based on the 1974 cult classic film, written by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder, Young Frankenstein is described as "zany, fun-filled entertainment with all the panache of that film - plus a monstrously good dose of theatrical flair".

Holly Macer as Inga and Zachary Barber as Young Frankenstein (Image: Green Room Productions)

Award-winning Potters Bar-based theatre company Green Room has brought together some of Hertfordshire's finest musical theatre performers for the production, which will run at the Wyllyotts Theatre early next month.

Alastair Woodgate, chair of Green Room, said: "We look forward to welcoming you to Transylvania, where the madness of Mel Brooks collides with Mary Shelley’s classic horror story in a show full of abundant high spirits and shameless fun, to keep audiences laughing from start to finish."

The story follows Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced 'Fronk-en-steen'), grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, who has inherited his grandfather's estate.

Terry Salkeld as the Hermit (Image: Green Room Productions)

With the help of hunchbacked sidekick Igor and leggy lab assistant Inga, Frederick finds himself stepping into the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors, exclaiming "It's alive!" as he brings a creature to life. Naturally, the monster escapes, and further hilarity abounds.

The role of Frederick Frankenstein will be played by Zachary Barber. He said: "This is a gloriously impure show, flirting on the politically incorrect, that wittily parodies musicals past and present.

"There are several show-stoppers but nothing hits home finer than the razzle-dazzle tap routine to Irving Berlin’s 'Puttin on the Ritz'. It’s such fun dancing this number with Will Navesey, my monster creation!”

Howard Wright (centre) plays Inspector Kemp, who is investigating the suspicious goings-on at Frankenstein's castle (Image: Green Room Productions)

Sam Buckingham, who will be following in Marty Feldman's footsteps as Igor, said: "I love the original 1930s cult horror movies and the legendary 1974 film.

"If you loved the movie then you’ll love this show - it’s good, old-fashioned light entertainment with a capital E."

The Radio Times said of the West End stage show: "If you’re looking for nuance walk on by, but if you want a bawdy, uproarious belly laugh that’s done out of pure love for the genres that it parodies, this is a show that delivers in spades."

Alastair added: "Staging a show in the current climate brings its challenges, but the chance to engage in something so creative and positive is uplifting for the human spirit and, I hope, valued more than ever.

Transylvanians learn that there's a monster on the loose! (Image: Green Room Productions)

"There are not many environments where people come together – performing and watching – which are collaborative to such a large extent and we look forward to sharing the joy of live theatre with you.

"It’s a chance to share a different kind of madness to that of the outside world: one to make us all laugh out loud."

Young Frankenstein runs at the Wyllyotts Theatre from Tuesday, November 1 to Saturday, November 5, with performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. The Saturday evening show is a BSL interpreted performance.

Werewolves in Young Frankenstein at the Wyllyotts Theatre (Image: Green Room Productions)

For tickets call the Wyllyotts Box Office on 01707 645005 or visit www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk.