NEWS FEED
Gothic horror 'Frankenstein' comes to Poole
Marking the bicentenary of the creation of Frankenstein, Blackeyed Theatre’s new stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic horror masterpiece comes to Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts from 21-22 March.
Victor Frankenstein obsesses in pursuit of nature’s secret, the elixir of life itself. But nothing can prepare him for what he creates. So begins a gripping life or death adventure.
Set in Geneva, 1816, and adapted by John Ginman, this world premiere incorporates the use of the unique Bunraku-style puppetry to portray The Creature. Designed and built by Yvonne Stone, (Warhorse), the full size 6’4” puppet adds an entirely new dimension to the retelling of the classic story.
Director Eliot Giuralarocca says, “I’m really excited to be directing ‘Frankenstein’. It’s a taut, gripping thriller, an exciting gothic fairy tale for grown-ups and a morality play all rolled into one. It’s always a daunting challenge to attempt to breathe new life into a classic but with a wonderful ensemble cast and a fusion of bold storytelling, music, sound and Bunraku-style puppetry I’m hoping we can bring Mary Shelley’s gothic fairy tale kicking and screaming into life.”
John Ginman comments, “Working on this has left me full of admiration for the achievement of the nineteen-year-old novice writer, who responded to the challenge of inventing a ghost story ‘to curdle the blood, and quicken the beatings of the heart’. This version seeks to provoke thought and discussion around many key issues that have renewed significance for us today including the ethics of genetic experimentation, and the causes of violent behaviour in some marginalised social groups.”
The cast includes Ben Warwick as Victor Frankenstein, Max Gallagher as Henry Clerval, Lara Cowin as Elizabeth Lavenza, Louis Labovitch and Ashley Sean-Cook.
The production is supported by The National Lottery through Arts Council England.
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