The Rocky Monster Show, Copythorne Theatrical Society, Parish Hall, Copythorne

WITH characters named Stoker, Shelley and Mrs Danvers, the connections with Dracula, Frankenstein, and Du Maurier's Rebecca set the scene for Copythorne Theatrical Society to enjoy a rollicking romp through some musical mock-horror.

Helped by convincing sets, props, make-up and special effects, the enthusiastic cast sing, dance and over-act their way through a deliberately cliche-filled pastiche of the musical-horror genre.

Jeremy O'Donovan plays the gauche young scientist as Clark Kent in a white coat, Margaret Brammall brings a deliciously comic gravitas to the classic funereal housekeeper Mrs Danvers, and Alison Roache provides a confident narrative link in her directorial debut.

The songs are catchy, if derivative. The only flaw, on opening night, was the under-miked lead vocals being drowned by the backing tape music.

A better sound balance should sort the matter out for the remaining shows.

Runs until Saturday.