A Triumph of Terror. Sensational Acting as Man-made Monster.

Frankenstein, at the Little Theatre, a clever version  by Miss Peggy Webling of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s famous novel, brings to London a sensational piece of acting my Mr. Hamilton Deane as the tragic monster, of whom Henry Frankenstein was, first the creator, then the master, and finally the slave and victim.

This old story has passed into the category of the masterpiece. Like the story of Dr. Faustus, it awakens an awe and terror that are primal. Mr. Deane acted with extraordinary power. The shambling figure with its fumbling speech and sub-human intelligence, half beast, half man, made a terrifying appearance. It was the triumph of the actor that he compelled sympathy with the monster.

The dawning sense of beauty when he saw the sunshine for the first time, the swift awakening of passion at the sight of the girl Emilie, and his sorrow for little Katrine’s death which he caused in ignorance, were profoundly moving. Playgoers should be careful not to miss this very remarkable performance.

Mr. Henry Hallatt played Henry Frankenstein with melodramatic vigour. The rest of the acting was of a rather humble character.

H. T.