Anyone who enjoyed the 1974 film starting Gene Wilder and Marty Feldman will certainly take this sparkling theatrical cover version to their hearts.
It soars with affection and from the opening sequence to finale this slick and hugely entertaining show never dips for a moment.
On its first regional tour, director and choreographer Nick Winston has done wonders with his versatile and creative team Quite frankly – it is fabulous.
The original film was a homage to the Hollywood horror genre now with Liverpool Playhouse, the exciting Mill Hill Theatre company has brought back to life a monster hit all over again.
A tremendous cast brings a piece of Broadway and West End glitz to the Playhouse stage with first class singing, dazzling choreography and a witty script.
A top-notch set, costumes and design all adds to the care and attention that has breathed new life into this tale.
Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank plays Dr Frederick Frankenstein – who claims his inheritance to a castle where his grandfather carried out experiments to create the Frankenstein of the title.
The villagers are not happy to see him. Pitchforks at the ready.
It is masterful piece of visual and verbal storytelling where songs carry the narrative superbly.
Jessica Martin is housekeeper Frau Blucher with spot on comic timing.
And what a voice Amela Adams has as the sultry, ultra sexy Elizabeth Benning, the good doctor’s femme fatale, so to speak.
Peter Gallagher is The Monster and it’s an impressive achievement in making a whole audience fall in love with you in under two and a half hours.
Curtis Patrick plays black-draped Igor who, while keeping aspects of Marty Feldman’s on-screen lunacy, establishes very early on quirky nuances of his own.
Curtis is a name to look out for.
Completing this very tight cast is Simeon Truby as potty policeman – Inspector Kemp and he also doubles up as a hermit in one inspired slapstick scene with the monster.
Julie Yammanee is outstanding as medical assistant Inga. On opening night the play was stopped for a short while as Julie injured herself and team player Jessica Wright stepped in.
The show must go on and it did.
The songs are what you would expect from the genius brain of Mel Brooks.
He is a perfectionist and it shows in Deep Love, He Was My Boyfriend and Listen to your Heart.
One highlight (and there are so many), is the Puttin’ On the Ritz sequence.
Top hat and tails and pure showbiz glitz.
It builds and builds to a stunning ensemble tap dancing delight.
Young Frankenstein is nostalgic, funny, spectacular and it has a happy ending.
What more could you want this Christmas?
VERDICT: Five stars
A triumph from Transylvania.
The production is on until January 3. Tickets from 0151 709 4776.