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Blackeyed Theatre, in
association with South Hill Park, presents
Frankenstein
Durham Gala Theatre
Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th
October 2016
Marking the bicentenary of the creation of Frankenstein,
Blackeyed Theatre’s brand new stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic horror
masterpiece embarks on a five-month UK tour.
Geneva, 1816 - 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 taking him to the ends of the earth and beyond.
Adapted by John Ginman, who penned Blackeyed Theatre’s hugely successful
2013 production of Dracula, this world premiere fuses bold ensemble
storytelling, live music, puppetry and stunning theatricality to create a fresh
telling of what has become a landmark work of literature.
A unique feature of the production is the use of Bunraku-style puppetry
to portray The Creature. Designed and built by Yvonne Stone (Warhorse, His
Dark Materials), the full size 6’4” puppet, which needs up to 3 people to
manipulate it, adds an exciting 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 (seasons at The
National Theatre, Theatre Royal York, Royal Theatre Northampton, Watford Palace
and The Finborough), Max Gallagher as Henry Clerval (Home Fires - ITV, James
& The Giant Peach - Sell A Door, PIAF - Charing
Cross/Bridewell), Lara Cowin as Elizabeth Lavenza (The Obfuscati -
Theatre 503, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom - Fiery Angel), Louis
Labovitch (STOMP! - US tour, Leave Hitler to Me - Arts Theatre)
and Ashley Sean-Cook (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - Children’s
Touring Partnership, My Pet Monster & Me – Blunderbus UK tour).
The
production is supported by The National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Tickets:
Frankenstein will be at the Gala
Theatre, Durham on Monday 18 and
Tuesday 19 October, 7.30pm. Tickets priced £12
- £15 available at www.galadurham.co.uk or by calling the
Gala Theatre Box Office on 03000 266 600.
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