Standing ovation for Tipperary Musical Society mayhem-filled Young Frankenstein

Deirdre Ryan, Emma Sunderland, Kevin Reade and Emmet Donlon in Tipperary Musical Society's Young Frankenstein

placeholder image — Deirdre Ryan, Emma Sunderland, Kevin Reade and Emmet Donlon in Tipperary Musical Society's Young Frankenstein

Opening to a standing ovation at the Simon Ryan Excel Theatre in Tipperary Town on Monday evening, Young Frankenstein as presented by Tipperary Musical Society was a hilarious, deliciously madcap, energetic and highly entertaining piece of musical theatre - a typical Mel Brooks show staged right in the heart of the Premier County.

You never quite know what to expect when you go to a show, but in Tipperary Town, you always know that you will be treated to something special - this year's production was no exception and while the choreography so brilliantly created by Stephanie Browne, was the real standout in a non-stop, action-filled show, the direction of Paul Norton also shines through in spades.

CAPTION: Eimin O'Meara and Derek Ryan as Ziggy and Inspector Kemp

If you happened to be in bad form going into the theatre, you would have come out on a high. You could not have helped yourself because there are just so many really really funny moments which were so brilliantly carried off by the company. The experienced and exceptionally talented frontline members were just so good.

From Kevin Reade as Dr Frederick von Frankenstein to Emmet Donlon as Igor, to Emma Sunderland as Inga, to Deirdre Ryan as Frau Blucher - they were simply wonderful, and the show was carried so magnificently by this quartet.

Then, throw in Adam Skeffington as The Monster; the brilliant Rachel Breen as Elizabeth Benning; Derek Ryan as Inspector Kemp; James O’Donovan as The Hermit; Eimhin O’Meara as Ziggy and Cole Flanagan as Dr Victor von Frankenstein and Dracula and you have the principal cast of a show which is not to be missed.

CAPTION: Kevin Reade and Rachel Breen as Dr Frederick von Frankenstein and Elizabeth Benning

There were so many great moments in this show, and what has become so evident in recent years is the growing use of projections, which really help to propel the story forward. These can be clumsy if not utilised in a thoughtful fashion - well, TMS has just about written the textbook on this one.

The projections and set, together with the costumes, make-up, hair, colour and props really brought the stage to life and with it, the story of Young Frankenstein.

With a superb orchestra under the direction of the incomparable Mary Rose McNally, this show runs until Saturday evening next and is well worth the effort. Just secure your tickets as soon as possible because they are booking out fast. To Tipperary Musical Society - take a bow one and all.