To me the name of the writer and film director Mel Brooks means my carefree teenage years in the 1970s idly spent at flea pit cinemas in Derby watching an endless comical catalogue of Mel’s classic parody comedies. To my young self they represented all that was laugh-out-loud funny, goofy or zany as the Americans say. I thrilled to the likes of Blazing Saddles, The Twelve Chairs, Silent Movie, The Producers, High Anxiety and my favourite of the whole shebang – Young Frankenstein. Filmed in black and white no-less. I collected movie soundtracks on vinyl and had the soundtrack of Young Frankenstein which not only had the music but also whole sections of amusing dialogue, which I learnt off by heart, and would mimic to anyone who would listen, even if they ran away with their hands over their ears. Marty Feldman was Igor and another US comedy favourite, Gene Wilder, was Doctor Frederick Frankenstein. There were plenty of favourite scenes and Lord knows I spent enough money watching it over and over and over again, at the Esseldo in Chaddesden, the Gaumont ABC on East Street or the Odeon on London Road and my top fave scene was the vaudeville song and dance routine, ‘Putting On The Ritz’. Both the scientific creator and the huge monster were dressed up like sophisticated men about town complete with top hats and canes.

Dr Frankenstein sings: “If you’re blue and you dunno – where to go to -why don’t ya go – to where fashion sits…” Monster clicks fingers twice and screams ” Puttin on the Ritz!!!!! “

The modern day musical theatre version of Young Frankenstein features wacky toe tapping songs like ‘Putting On The Ritz’, ‘Transylvania Mania’, ‘He Vas My Boyfriend’, ‘Roll In The Hay’, Man About Town’, and ‘Together Again’.

Production photos: Ali Langton

This Saturday afternoon matinée at May Hall, Trent College, I settle in for a spell of musical monster madness. I have sweaty palms already, I am so excited. It’s a grand mix of the old familiar jokey situations plus some new songs and a cast of LEOS musical theatre society’s finest singin’, dancin’, laughter makin’ actors. Hang on this guy says he isn’t a Doctor Frankenstein but Frederick Fronkensteen. Am I at the wrong show? Pardon me boy is this the Transylvania station?

Nein, alles ist okay. Ich bin am rightigen Ort. I am in the right place. Strike up ze band und ze overture! Dim ze lights, give uns some schpooky atmosphäre, do ein grosses tap dance routine, create a Monster!

Frankenstein and monster image Oolay Stone

This most excellent amateur production of Young Frankenstein has been beautifully assembled and presented by the creative team of Emma Kelvey (director), Rachel Merrill (choreographer), Charlotte Daniel (musical director) and Robert McAuley (band conductor). It has, professionalism written all the way through it and the entire ensemble are a joy to watch and listen to, as is the live band. The settings are kept simple which helps the story flow without fuss.

Without exception, all of Mel Brooks’ comedy and songs work through the strong direction and the well actualized comedic work of the cast lands. We are treated to even more amusing moments this afternoon by having Emma Dawber as a BSL interpreter who even gets mixed into the storyline and creates beautifully inclusive improvised moments with members of the bonkers cast.

As I mentioned at the start of this review, ‘Putting On The Ritz’ is one of my top favourite song and dance moments from the original film and in this production it was an added pleasure to have a full ensemble tap dance on stage after the song. There are many such surprises in this production and they make the whole experience even more joyful.

Leading the musical are the characters of Dr Frederick Frankenstein and his affable but inept assistant Igor. Jake Gelernter (Dr Frankenstein) and Rhodri Denton (Igor) are terrific in their roles and comedy partnership and hardly off stage throughout. Who knew that Dr Frankenstein was such a good singer? As Inga, the voluptuous assistant of Dr Frankenstein Mariko Jones is supremely good and creates her own version that swims between seductress and charmingly innocent.

Practically stealing the show with her fantastic portrayal of Frau Blücher is Louise McGowan. Her professionally delivered song ‘He Vas My Boyfriend ‘ has this audience in stitches. The stage lights up every time McGowan slinks onstage with her trademark bunch of candles. In.my opinion Aimee Chilton makes an even better acting and singing job of playing the vampish tease Elizabeth Denning than Mel Brooks’ own ‘broad’ Madeleine Kahn. Her second half seduction scenes with Kheenan Jones and ‘Deep Love’ song are hilariously funny as she flings herself about the stage cavorting with the monster.

As Dr Frankenstein’s creation Kheenan Jones is brilliantly inarticulate and in his clumsy movements, rather endearing, especially after he and Doctor Frankenstein swap personality.

Two other smaller role actors are worthy of a special mention and they are the comically gifted Dan Scott as the crazy cop Inspector Kemp who has a natural authority on stage as well as being funny and Charlotte Gelernter as the blind Hermit. Her rendition of the comedy song ‘Please Send Me Someone ‘ is a hoot as is the comedy business offering the monster food and drink.

It is a total joy to watch this matinée performance at May Hall Trent College Long Eaton this afternoon and I came out into the autumnal daylight on a real high. This production deserves every one of the five stars I am giving it today.