Ore Oduba to Star in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein The Musical at Hope Mill Theatre

New Regional Production Marks 10th Anniversary Season for Manchester Venue

Hope Mill Theatre has announced that actor and broadcaster Ore Oduba will lead the cast of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein The Musical as Dr Frederick Frankenstein, with performances running from 10 October to 30 November 2025, and a press night on 15 October.

The production will mark the regional premiere of the hit musical comedy and forms part of Hope Mill Theatre’s 10th anniversary season. The show will be directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, with musical direction by Francesca Warren and orchestrations by Charlie Ingles.

A Star-Studded Cast Brings Comic Chaos to Manchester

Ore Oduba, best known as the winner of Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 and for roles in Pretty Woman, Grease and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, returns to musical theatre to take on one of comedy’s most iconic roles. He is joined by a seasoned company of West End regulars and screen favourites:

• Jessica Martin as Frau Blücher

• Rhiannon Chesterman as Elizabeth Benning

• Pete Gallagher as The Monster

• Curtis Patrick as Igor

• Simeon Truby as Inspector Kemp/Harold the Hermit

• Julie Yammanee as Inga

Completing the cast are Belle Kizzy Green, Robin Kent, Bryan Mottram, Alanna Panditaratne, Oliver Ramsdale, Hakeem Tinubu, Patricia Wilkins, and Jessica Wright.

About the Show

Based on the cult 1974 film by Mel Brooks, Young Frankenstein follows the story of Dr Frederick Frankenstein (that’s “Fronk-en-steen”) who inherits his infamous grandfather’s estate in Transylvania. Encouraged by his sidekick Igor, lab assistant Inga, and the ever-mysterious Frau Blücher, Frederick reluctantly reawakens his family’s mad scientific legacy—with predictably monstrous and hilarious results.

The musical includes memorable numbers such as “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “The Transylvania Mania” and “He Vas My Boyfriend.”

With a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, and music and lyrics by Brooks, this new production will bring fresh theatrical energy to the fan-favourite comedy.

Creative Team

The Hope Mill production boasts a strong creative lineup:

• Director & Choreographer: Nick Winston

• Musical Direction & Co-Musical Supervision: Francesca Warren

• Orchestration & Co-Musical Supervision: Charlie Ingles

• Set Design: Sophia Pardon

• Sound Design: Ben Harrison

• Lighting Design: Aaron J Dootson

• Video & Projection Design: Matt Powell

• Costume Design: Lorraine Parry

• Wigs & Make-up Design: Nicola Thorp

• Associate Choreography: Lauren Kate Hampton

• Casting: Jim Arnold CDG

Performance and Ticket Information

• Venue: Hope Mill Theatre, 113 Pollard Street, Manchester, M4 7JA

• Dates: 10 October – 30 November 2025

• Press Night: 15 October 2025

• Preview Performances: 10–14 October

• Schedule:

  • Tuesday–Saturday: 7.30pm & 2.30pm

  • Sundays: 2.00pm, 3.00pm, or 6.00pm (varies)

A Fitting Celebration of a Theatre Milestone

As Hope Mill Theatre celebrates a decade of ambitious and acclaimed musical theatre productions, Young Frankenstein is set to be a monstrous highlight of the year. With a beloved score, a powerhouse cast, and riotous comedy at its core, the production promises an unforgettable autumn in Manchester.