For over 20 years Leitheatre have built up
a solid reputation for their Scots comedy productions. In return,
they are supported by a loyal and appreciative fan base. This
year’s two act play is the sequel that Mary Shelley didn’t get
round to writing. It is Edinburgh in the1820’s when Burke and Hare
have a plentiful supply of body parts. Dr Stein, after a miraculous
escape, turns up to further his ideals.
After a patchy first act, the comedy
literally takes off in the second act when Frankie Stein comes to
life. All the principals play their parts effectively but catching
the eye were Billy Renfrew as the idealistic Dr Stein, Steve
McDowall as a ‘Stan Laurel’ version of Frankie Stein, Dorsay
Larnoch as the muddled servant and Fiona Mackay as the young,
headstrong Mirren Ramsay.
Many of the elements of traditional, light
comedy are displayed – bawdy humour, unrequited lovers finally
coming together and final scene revelations. Grand entertainment
from a company who know how to play to their strengths.
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