THE talented team behind a bold new staging of Mary Shelley’s seminal 1818 gothic horror novel Frankenstein have definitely created a monster!
A monster hit that is.
This inventive co-production between Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre, Selladoor Productions and Matthew Townshend Productions has been adapted by award-winning writer Rona Munro (The James Plays, National Theatre and National Theatre of Scotland; Little Eagles, RSC), to offer a fresh take on Shelley’s groundbreaking story.
Monro cleverly places the writer herself amongst the action, as she wrestles with her creation and the stark realities facing revolutionary young women, both in her own time and today.
An eighteen year-old girl, Mary Shelley, dreams up a monster whose tragic story will capture the imaginations of generations to come.
A young scientist by the name of Frankenstein breathes life into a gruesome body. Banished into an indifferent world, Frankenstein’s creature desperately seeks out his true identity, but the agony of rejection and a broken promise push him into darkness. Dangerous and vengeful, the creature threatens to obliterate Frankenstein and everyone he loves, in a ferocious and bloodthirsty hunt for his maker.
Eilidh Loan is a powerful stage presence throughout as Shelley, the author unpacking her own horrific tale. She heads up a small, but strong ensemble including Ben Castle-Gibb as the crazed genius Victor Frankenstein, tortured by his own dark ambition for a scientific breakthrough – and at the ultimate cost of the death of everyone he loves.
Michael Moreland delivers a solid but measured performance as Frankenstein’s Monster, who is driven to murderous rage by his creator’s failure to love and accept him. It would have been all too easy to overplay this role and turn it into something that more resembled a spoof.
The sterling performances are played out around a fittingly simple but striking static stage backdrop with eerie sound and visual effects adding to the tension.
This is a gripping and innovative retelling of the novel that is credited with launching the science fiction genre, fully grasping the enduring power of the well known story.
It’s one of the surprise theatrical highlights of my year so far – and most definitely comes highly recommended. See it if you possibly can.
Frankenstein shows at the Belgrade Theatre from 2-12 October as part of the B2 Season of Love and Belonging. Tickets are available to book now by calling the box office on 024 7655 3055, or visiting www.belgrade.co.uk where prices are cheaper. Book together for two or more shows in the season to claim 20% off your tickets.
