CellarDoor Theatre’s production of the classic horror story Frankenstein opens with a near bare arena. The creature is alone, wrapped like an embryo in the translucent film that hangs from a scaffold frame. It awakens; breathing, writhing and choking. There are no grand machines or lightning strikes; the creature stands, stumbles and falls over and again… howling, crashing to the ground like a thrown judo player on the raised platform that serves as a stage. The creator, Victor Frankenstein, appears; the creature is rejected and it sallies forth, disoriented and artless, to find its own way in the world.

CellarDoor Theatre is a new company set up and run by a group of Bristol University students. The team say they are ‘keen to develop and create lively and entertaining theatre’ and ‘expand opportunities for students and others who want to be part of compelling independent theatre’. Their first production was a version of the Russian folk tale Corpse Bride and like that show this presentation of Nick Dear’s adaptation of Frankenstein is performed in the Bierkeller club in central Bristol. It’s a place more used to the clinking of glasses and loud music, but the stark environment is suited to this brutal and disturbing story. The company make good use of the space and the actors fly around the stage, entering and leaving from all sides. There are voices-off, flashy lighting effects and an eerie electronic soundscape to complement the performance.

In Nick Dear’s rendering of Mary Shelley’s classic Gothic novel we see the story unfold from the creature’s perspective, as it is spurned by its maker and cast out into a hostile world. Loathed, feared and attacked it eventually learns from a friendly old blind man how to speak and read. Searching to understand the ways of humans; seeking the answers to its existence and yearning for companionship. The story tracks the creatures quest for resolution as it realises that humans are no more perfect than itself; they can hate and humiliate, they can cheat and lie. There are moral conundrums around love and rejection It’s an engaging retelling of the story, if a little drawn-out in its conclusion.

The cast in this production give us a lively and creative show. It’s a visceral and at times violent presentation; animated and enthusiastic, robust and thoughtful. The players scamper around, they throw themselves to the floor with gusto. There are also tender moments and choreographed ensemble segments; all of which are credibly and skilfully performed. The actors work hard and belie their tender years. Thomy Lawson (alternating with Akshay Kahnna as the creature) contributes a hearty performance, Niall Potter is convincingly unfeeling and manic as Victor Frankenstein. The whole cast and backstage team can be commended for a dynamic and entertaining show. ★★★★☆   Adrian Mantle    9th May 2017