When I saw my first play at the Arden, on arriving in Faversham just over two years ago, I was not expecting this level of creativity and theatrical skill from what I had expected to be just a “community theatre in a small Kentish Market Town”. Little did I know! I have continued to be surprised and impressed at virtually every performance I’ve seen at The Arden, but in all honesty, I would describe last night’s performance of “Frankenstein” as The Pinnacle!

On a bare stage, surrounded by plain black drapes and with only a range of medium-sized black wooden boxes, the cast of “Frankenstein” unfolds the well-known story of Victor Frankenstein, the young scientist who uses electricity to galvanise a living human being from the remains of other dead body parts. Victor’s life-sized “machine” is at the centre of some of the play’s most iconic moments, as when The Creature (performed with total conviction by Vicky Gatward-Warner), first emerges from the diabolical machine from which he was made. At first the audience was spellbound, then broke into quiet, awed applause as Victor brought him to life!

Another breath-taking moment occurs when Victor, in response to the Creature’s desire for a female mate, creates a stunningly beautiful bride. Don’t miss a moment of this scene – especially the shocking fate of the Bride!

Like most of the characters in the play, one feels at first a revulsion for the Creature’s ugliness and his evil character. But there are moments when the sadness of his fate arouses an almost involuntary sympathy; well done Director Leon Robichaud and the cast!

This production is truly an ensemble effort; most of the cast play numerous parts; one minute they’re sailors swaying in time to the swell of the arctic boat they’re sailing on, then they’re happy villagers dancing at a charming rustic wedding, or family members mourning the death of one of the Creature’s victims.

The timing and smooth change of scene from one locale to another was truly impressive: one moment we’re on the slopes of Mont Blanc, then later we’re jogging along on a train in Scotland. Kudos to the costume creators – all outfits contributing to the action, yet not intruding or distracting from it.

E.B.