Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein – the new musical comedy based on the Oscar-nominated smash hit movie – has come alive in the West End with an all-star cast including the likes of Hadley Fraser, Lesley Joseph and Summer Strallen.
The brilliant musical opened in October 2017 to rave reviews and 3 Olivier Award nominations, including Mastercard Best New Musical.
Young Frankenstein, the wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Mary Shelley classic, tells the story of the Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced ‘Fronk-en-steen’). When Frederick inherits a castle in Transylvania, he discovers he has a familial reputation to uphold, leading him to fulfill his grandfather’s legacy by bringing a corpse back to life. With help and hindrance from hunchback henchman Igor, buxom assistant Inga and needy fiancée Elizabeth, his experiment yields madcap success and life-changing consequences.
With hilarious musical numbers such as Puttin’ On The Ritz, Young Frankenstein is based on the hilarious 1974 film co-written by, and starring, Gene Wilder. A parody of the horror film genre, the hit movie was adapted into a musical when Brooks decided to stage another of his successful films, and work began on the show in April 2006. Young Frankenstein went on to open on Broadway in November 2007 to critical acclaim, playing until January 2009 before embarking on a nationwide tour in September 2009.
Now making its West End debut, following a UK premiere at Newcastle Theatre Royal earlier in 2017, this production of Young Frankenstein sees Brooks, the comedy genius and legendary filmmaker behind huge hits The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Spaceballs, once again collaborate with Broadway director and choreographer Susan Stroman in an all-singing, all-dancing, new version at the Garrick Theatre. The new version is co-written with Thomas Meehan, and features two new songs: It Could Work and Hang Him Till He’s Dead.
Come and see Brooks’ and Gene Wilder’s classic movie come to life on the West End stage – sharp wit, glorious gags, knockout show tunes and monstrous fun all guaranteed!
Looking to see some musical theatre? Find out more about London musicals.