The Argus: fringe_2011_logo_red_thumb In Mary Shelley's classic tale, ugliness exists in relation to a universal “normality”.

In this compelling performance, Manuel Lavandera brings the story into the 21st century with a creative interpretation of the monster as the darker side of Frankenstein.

It is all the more gripping for the fact it might lie in any of us.

Lavandera’s accomplishment is to convincingly personify anger, fear, loneliness and longing, bringing often suppressed emotions centre stage.

As a piece of improvisation, his performance is stunning as he contorts his limbs and adopts a voice that roars from his core. He stares out at the audience as though he sees and senses nothing but his own inner terror.

It’s not always clear whether he is in character but this only enhances the point that Frankenstein created his own monster.

With this development of the inner world of Frankenstein, though, Shelley’s plot is lost.

While Lavandera’s performance no doubt pushes boundaries, to tone it down would put Frankenstein more squarely in the context of an outside world suffering from the enormity of its invention, truer to Shelley’s intention.

* 7.15pm, £8.50/£6.50. Call 01273 917272