Producers Shake & Stir Theatre Co and John Frost for Crossroads Live have confirmed a thrilling new stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein will play for strictly limited seasons at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre and Theatre Royal Sydney from August this year.
For over two centuries Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has captivated audiences with her timeless literary classic, considered by many as the very first science fiction novel.
In this faithful yet contemporary large-scale theatrical stage adaptation, Frankenstein is brought screaming into the 21st century combining cutting-edge production elements with the power of virtuosic storytelling, offering audiences a night of thrilling theatre of monstrous proportions.
Frankenstein played an inaugural sold-out season at QPAC last year, with critics calling it “a hauntingly, captivating masterpiece” (The Fame Reporter) and ‘a monster of a production’ (ArtsHub).
“We couldn’t be more excited to be presenting this brilliant production to audiences in Melbourne and Sydney. Those eager to see an absolute classic story live on stage will be appeased, along with those hungry to be impressed by new theatrical forms” said Nick Skubij, Shake & Stir Artistic Director and Director of Frankenstein.
“This production invites audiences on a journey into the mind of a madman and they will see things on stage, that they’ve seldom seen before. This is Shelley’s classic story told in a brand-new, hi-tech monster of a show.”
“Multiple axis of automation, over 140sqm of LED video panels, pyrotechnics and a cinematic, sweeping score – all working seamlessly together to bring Shelly’s tale to visceral life,” said Mr Skubij.
“Following the success of our partnership on The Mousetrap, I am delighted to work with the team at Shake & Stir once again to present this impressive adaptation of one of literature’s most revered stories,” said John Frost.
“After seeing the premiere of this work at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in 2023, we were adamant that more audiences must see this thrilling production.”
“Consistently, Shake & Stir creates innovative and compelling work with impeccable storytelling and awe-inspiring production elements. Frankenstein is no exception – I cannot wait for Melbourne and Sydney to experience it for themselves,” said John Frost.
In this authentic retelling of the literary classic, audiences will bear witness as Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious young scientist, pushes the boundaries of theory and morality to create a living being from the remains of the dead.
Shunned by society and plagued by an inherited sense of confusion and rage, Victor’s miracle of science becomes a monster that threatens to destroy everything his creator holds dear. But playing God has its consequences… Can Victor redeem his unthinkable actions, or will he succumb to the horrors of his own making?
Frankenstein will play at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne from 23 August to 1 September and the Theatre Royal Sydney from 28 September to 13 October 2024. Tickets on sale Friday 16 May. For more information, visit: www.frankensteinlive.com.au for details.
Image: Frankenstein (supplied)