Hope Mill Theatre Prepares A Monster Tenth Anniversary With YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre is celebrating its tenth anniversary with an all-new production of the uproarious musical comedy, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, directed and choreographed by Nick Winston. The show will take up residence from 10 October to 30 November 2025, with a press night on 15 October. Given that this intimate venue has already made a name for itself as one of the UK’s most dynamic and innovative producing theatres, the mere thought of seeing He Vas My Boyfriend or Puttin’ on the Ritz performed within those exposed-brick walls fills me with an irrepressible glee. And let’s not forget about The Transylvania Mania, which I suspect is still partly responsible for my fondness for dancing ghouls.
A Timely Return
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is not your run-of-the-mill musical. Adapted from the 1974 cult-classic film by none other than comedic genius Mel Brooks, it combines broad slapstick humour with a genuinely catchy score. The book is co-written by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, the beloved writer known for penning hits like Annie and The Producers, ensuring a rock-solid comedic foundation. If that’s not enough, orchestrations by Doug Besterman and Mark Cumberland, under the original direction and choreography of Susan Stroman, guarantee show-stopping musical numbers that seamlessly blend pastiche, parody, and pure heart.
But why Hope Mill Theatre, you might ask? Since its founding in 2015, this Manchester gem has carved out a reputation for showcasing musicals that are often overlooked by mainstream venues, giving them the space and creative freedom to thrive. According to co-founder and CEO William Whelton, the theatre has always “strived to bring the very best in musical theatre titles and talent to the city.” Over the past decade, they have introduced productions that drew both critical acclaim and warm audience reception. This new staging of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN fits perfectly into that ethos: an offbeat musical gem powered by madcap humour and genuine theatrical flair.
A Decade Of Hope
In many ways, Hope Mill Theatre’s journey from under-the-radar indie venue to one of Manchester’s top cultural attractions has been as surprising as the plot twists in a Mel Brooks comedy. The theatre’s tenth anniversary is not just a milestone for the owners—William Whelton and Joseph Houston—it’s a testament to the local community’s appetite for risk-taking art. Over the last ten years, audiences have flocked to productions that dared to be a little different. One moment, you might find an intimate revival of a forgotten 1930s musical. Blink, and you’d stumble into a modern reimagining of a dance-heavy spectacle that practically bursts at the seams of the small stage.
The founders often recall how impossible it seemed to reach this kind of milestone. “Myself and Joe could not have imagined that we would be reaching such a milestone in our journey,” Whelton shared, reflecting on their successes. He added, “We have so much to be grateful for as we reflect on what has been an incredible decade.” With YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, the theatre continues its tradition of championing musicals that bring fresh experiences to local audiences. Though the theatre seats fewer patrons than the West End behemoths, that’s precisely the charm: a cosy, unpretentious setting that pulls you straight into the whirlwind on stage.
The Genius Behind The Monster
When it comes to comedic musicals, a sharp directorial vision can be the difference between a show that feels stale and one that dazzles. That’s where Nick Winston steps in. If you’ve seen Burlesque the Musical or were lucky enough to catch his previous revival of Mame at Hope Mill Theatre, you’ll know that Winston’s style is both vibrant and stylish. His choreography leaves no room for half-hearted footwork, and his direction tends to accentuate the comedic beats in a way that is electrifying rather than overdone.
“I am beyond excited to direct YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN,” Winston gushed when the production was announced, calling it an “uproarious musical comedy based on the classic film by Mel Brooks.” For him, the attraction lies in the unique chemistry between Brooks’ iconic sense of humour and the intimacy of 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!” Winston’s words capture exactly what fans of the show have come to expect: a zany, heartwarming romp through Transylvania that never takes itself too seriously.
The Story And The Score
For the uninitiated, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN follows the comedic escapades of Frederick Frankenstein, the reluctant grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein. He inherits the family estate in Transylvania, and with the help of his trusty sidekick Igor (whose hump mysteriously moves from side to side) and his eager lab assistant Inga, Frederick embarks on a mission to replicate (and outdo) his grandfather’s notorious scientific feat. Naturally, chaos ensues, spurred on by an array of toe-tapping numbers.
Indeed, the show’s music, penned by Mel Brooks himself, is as integral to the comedy as the dialogue. Numbers like He Vas My Boyfriend blend comedic storytelling with the playful stylings reminiscent of old Hollywood musicals. Meanwhile, The Transylvania Mania exudes a frenzied energy, inviting audiences to embrace the ghoulish groove. And of course, there’s the iconic Puttin’ on the Ritz, which first gained popularity under Irving Berlin’s authorship and finds new life in this deliriously fun context. Expect the entire theatre to erupt in giggles when a dance routine emerges from the most unlikely of circumstances involving the newly reanimated monster.
A Theatrical Experience Like No Other
For those who’ve never ventured to Hope Mill Theatre, let me paint you a picture: Nestled in an old Grade II-listed mill, this charming venue has exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and a warm intimacy that’s hard to replicate. Rather than feeling like you’re sitting in a cavernous auditorium, you become part of the story. The stage is practically an extension of the audience space, creating a sense of immediacy that you simply don’t find in larger theatres.
With YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, that immediacy becomes particularly potent. It’s one thing to see a monster lurch to life on a screen or faraway stage, and quite another to witness it mere metres from your seat, as the cast belts out show-stoppers with irrepressible glee. You’ll see the sweat, the sly winks between ensemble members, and the comedic timing up close. There’s something thrillingly electric about being that close to the action—like stepping through your TV screen and into a world of hilarious horrors and flamboyant song-and-dance.
One For The Diary
If you’re eager to experience a celebration of mad science, comedic genius, and top-tier musical theatre, mark your diary for 10 October to 30 November 2025. With the press night on 15 October, you can expect the official wave of buzz and excitement to soar in the subsequent days. The production team promises to unveil the casting and full creative team in the near future, but given Hope Mill’s track record, it’s safe to say they’ll deliver a stellar line-up.
For data lovers out there, consider that the theatre has, in its relatively short lifespan, produced over two dozen musicals—many receiving five-star reviews and selling out their runs. Previous experimental stagings, such as the revivals of Mameand Parade, demonstrated that limited resources can ignite a special kind of creativity. Hope Mill’s success also signals the growing hunger for theatrical experiences that feel immersive and personal. Each show is a testament to the power of local community support and the global appetite for musicals that dare to be different.
So, whether you’re a long-time lover of Mel Brooks or simply craving a night of uproarious entertainment, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Hope Mill Theatre promises to be an unmissable event. This new production, helmed by Nick Winston, is shaping up to be the crowning jewel in Hope Mill’s tenth-anniversary celebrations—a perfect fusion of mad science, comedic anarchy, and the heartfelt sparkle that only live theatre can offer.
After all, it’s not every day that you can witness a singing, dancing reanimated monster come to life before your very eyes while chuckling at Brooks’ razor-sharp jokes. And if that image alone doesn’t convince you to book a seat, then perhaps nothing will.
Looking back on my own discovery of all things Transylvanian and comedic, I am reminded that theatre is, at its core, about sharing joy, surprise, and a bit of the unexpected with an audience. As Hope Mill Theatre celebrates a decade of doing precisely that, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN stands poised to exemplify everything that makes this venue special: a daring sense of adventure, a passion for musical theatre, and an unwavering commitment to making each viewer feel like they’ve stumbled into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If ever there was a show guaranteed to leave you grinning from ear to ear, it’s this one. And for a theatre marking such a significant anniversary, I can think of no more fitting tribute. The laughter will echo off those mill walls, reminding every witness that, in the realm of musical theatre, any dream—no matter how monstrous—can come alive.
