Young Frankenstein
Review by Craig Lawson
Brilliantly bonkers and bursting with outrageous characters, Young Frankenstein, which opened at Theatre Works in St Kilda on Saturday night, is an absolute laugh-out-loud riot!
Based on Mel Brooks’ cult classic film, the musical follows Dr Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, as he finds himself following in the family’s rather questionable footsteps. What unfolds is a deliciously silly adventure filled with eccentric characters, outrageous situations and plenty of cheeky humour.
Josh Direen is fantastic as Dr Frederick Frankenstein. Handsome, charismatic and blessed with impeccable comic timing, he leads the production with confidence and charm, delivering even the most ridiculous lines with absolute conviction.
Alex Glenk, as Igor, Frederick’s wonderfully eccentric assistant, is an absolute delight. With hilarious expressions, perfectly timed one-liners and a mischievous personality, he delivers laugh after laugh. The chemistry between the two is terrific.
Juliet Nicholson brings plenty of charm and cheeky energy to the role of Inga, Frederick’s enthusiastic assistant. Her playful character adds another delightful layer to the wonderfully eccentric mix.
Frederick’s fabulously high-maintenance fiancée, Elizabeth, played by Britni Leslie, is an absolute camp delight. I particularly loved her scene with her entourage later in the show, a wonderfully over-the-top moment packed with attitude, theatrical flair and delicious diva energy.
Belinda Jenkins, as Frau Blücher, is another comic treat, particularly during He Vas My Boyfriend, a wonderfully absurd musical number that embraces the show’s wickedly silly humour.
Spectacular Choreography and Show-Stopping Musical Numbers
The choreography deserves enormous praise. The ensemble is sensational, delivering tightly coordinated, high-energy dance numbers that lift the entire production.
The first half builds to a fabulous rendition of Transylvania Mania, a brilliant explosion of movement, comedy and infectious energy.
And just when you think the dancing couldn’t get any better, along comes Puttin’ on the Ritz in the second half!
Joti Van Carlos Gore delivers a fantastic performance as the Monster. With his imposing physique, masculine presence and suitably frightening appearance, he looks every bit the creature you’d expect to encounter in a gothic castle.
But when the Monster discovers his inner showman, the result is hilarious!
Watching this towering creature launch into a tap-dancing routine is one of the night’s great comic highlights. An absolute crowd-pleaser.
A Monster of a Musical That Never Misses a Beat
What makes this production particularly enjoyable is its pace. There’s barely a moment to catch your breath between the jokes, musical numbers and outrageous antics.
The second half maintains the same fantastic energy, keeping the laughter flowing right through to the finale.
The staging is relatively simple, with the castle providing the gothic atmosphere when required. But elaborate scenery isn’t needed here. It’s the talented cast, their wonderful characterisations and sensational ensemble work that truly bring this production to life.
And speaking of bringing things to life, I somehow ended up on stage myself!
Candle in hand, I found myself performing a little dance as part of the evening’s madness. Not quite a Broadway debut, but certainly another wonderfully ridiculous moment to add to the experience!
Under the direction of Christian Cavallo, with choreography by Claire Robinson, StageBugs Productions delivers a wonderfully entertaining evening celebrating everything fabulous about musical theatre: big personalities, outrageous humour, spectacular dancing and performers who clearly relish every ridiculous moment.
Young Frankenstein doesn’t take itself seriously for a second, and that’s precisely why it works.
It’s camp, cheeky, fast-paced and bursting with theatrical joy.
It’s alive, it’s hilarious, and it’s an absolute must-see!
Young Frankenstein Melbourne – Performance Details
Production: Young Frankenstein
Venue: Theatre Works, St Kilda, Melbourne
Season: Until 24 October 2026
Director: Christian Cavallo
Choreographer: Claire Robinson
Production Company: StageBugs Productions
Tickets and further information: Theatre Works – Young Frankenstein
