Mel Brooks’ madcap musical, Young Frankenstein, is to receive its regional premiere in Manchester later this year to mark the 10th anniversary of the Hope Mill Theatre, which opened its doors in October 2015 and has since gained a reputation nationally and internationally for its in house musical productions.
Adapted by Brooks from his legendary 1974 film starring Gene Wilder, Young Frankenstein tells the story of the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced Fronk-en-steen) who inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced Eye-gore), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. “It’s alive…” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds.
With casting yet to be announced, director and choreographer Nick Winston, says, “I am beyond excited to direct Young Frankenstein, the uproarious musical comedy, and to be doing so at the brilliant Hope Mill Theatre. The immediacy of this space mixed with Mel Brooks’ iconic humour and the musical’s brilliant score will create a cocktail of laughter, love and a bit of mad science.”
Young Frankenstein The Musical will have its regional premiere from 10 October to 30 November 2025. Every bit as relevant to audience members who will remember the original as it will be to newcomers, Young Frankenstein has all the panache of the screen sensation with a little extra theatrical flair added. It will surely be the perfect opportunity for a production company to showcase an array of talents. With such memorable tunes as The Transylvania Mania, He Vas My Boyfriend and Puttin’ on the Ritz by Irving Berlin, Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment.
William Whelton, co-founder and CEO of the Hope Mill Theatre, says, “Young Frankenstein the musical marks Hope Mill Theatre’s 10th anniversary celebrations and, in true Hope Mill-style, we are bringing a Regional Premiere of the classic Mel Brooks musical. Since opening, we have always strived to bring the very best in musical theatre titles and talent to the city and we are thrilled to have Nick Winston at the helm, who last worked at the venue back in 2019.”
He continues, “Myself and Joe [co-founder Joseph Houston] could not have imagined that we would be reaching such a milestone in our journey, and we have so much to be grateful for as we reflect on what has been an incredible decade. The future is full of hope for us, and we have so many exciting plans afoot, as we continue to secure the legacy of Hope Mill Theatre, and this production is just one of many exciting announcements to come.”
Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein has a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, orchestrations by Doug Besterman & Mark Cumberland and original direction and choreography by Susan Stroman.
Tickets here.
