Mary Shelley - ★★★☆☆ - The sum is not greater than its parts, but they are great

A good production in almost all aspects but overall there's a lack of feeling up to the finale which is surprising for such a passionate play.

Without doubt this production features a talented cast; every word perfectly enunciated, projected to the seats right at the back, and with clear emotional intent. And yet there is a lack of feeling between characters, sometimes to the extent that one can't help but wonder if all the parts were rehearsed alone and only brought together on the stage. Mr Godwin, played by Malcolm Todd, is an exception bringing levels and interaction to each of his scenes but it's not enough to bring the characters together across the full 2 hours and 45 minutes. A similar note of praise goes to young Jane, played by Lowenna Quantick, and Harriet, played by Laura Sherratt, who deliver a gay naivety and raw emotion respectively. However, the final few scenes, with their tragic turns and tears all around, do deliver from all the cast and show the potential that was there from the start.

Despite the length you certainly don't feel it, with the story of a young Mary Shelley and the technically proficient performances easily holding our interest. There's clearly a logic to the set and lighting design with the stage carved into thirds, however as the action spreads across the full width of the stage the effect never really lands.

The lighting transitions seemed to lag behind the actors, with them often leaving stage out of character but fully lit. Presumably this was to speed up transitions, but the effect felt sloppy, serving to highlight late exits or confuse locations. Those locations have been further defined by soundscapes, a fair choice, but in execution these are too loud and their brief duration and bluntness remind one heavily of pre-recorded background noises in a small museum diorama. There are some recordings, dreamier sequences, but these feel out of kilter with the more natural approach director Clare Choubey has applied to the rest of the script.

A fine and competent production despite the lack of cohesiveness - it may be a long time but it's a long time well spent.