I RECENTLY went to see BATS production of John Ginman's adaptation of Frankenstein at The Bryce, Burneside, writes WAYNE BARTHOLOMEW.

What an amazing piece of theatre - from the set (on the floor in the round rather than on the stage), lighting and music to individual performances, it was hard to believe this was an amateur production. All the cast were first class.

Under the direction of Gordon Lawson, the cast and crew made the story come alive in a way that had the audience spellbound. Sharp intakes of breath and gasp of horror were quite audible at various points throughout the play which also portrayed scenes of great sensitivity and suspense.

The first act was told predominantly from Frankenstein's perspective and Adam Carruthers' tour de force performance throughout was utterly believable as he changed from idealistic youth to tormented man, as the realisation of what he had created took hold. Adam conveyed Frankenstein’s manic zeal and belated guilt beautifully.

The second act mood was set with a crack of thunder and a haunting song (sung a capella by Sue Cook) and is told mainly by the Creature. What an outstanding performance from Angela-Lee Kennedy - a newcomer to BATS.

Tracey Howson made a wonderful Elizabeth in her first BATS play and Dan Hulme, another newcomer, was a great foil for Frankenstein, as the ever-loyal Clerval.

A mention must go to Thomas Miles who, as Walton, was on stage throughout the entire performance as both Frankenstein and the Creature tell him their stories. The concentration needed to follow every scene and respond or interject at the relevant points was immense. Thomas was a captivated with the story as were the audience.

Wonderful as the acting was from the entire cast, (Luke Frazer, Ron Milnes and Richard Sutton not previously mentioned were more than competent in their support roles as was the director in his couple of appearances!) huge credit must go to the choice of music, sound effects and lighting which all created an incredible atmosphere that made the audience forget that they were in a village hall rather than a theatre.

The last scene as the creature builds its funeral pyre was particularly poignant. What does come across clearly is the idea of the Creature - more sinned against than sinning was a sad victim of Frankenstein’s disastrous experiments.

If you missed this production, you missed an outstanding piece of theatre.