New West End theatre production ‘Frankenstein’ to visit Middleton as part of national tour

Producers from the West End will be bringing a new theatrical adaptation of Mary Shelley’s seminal 1818 gothic horror novel ‘Frankenstein’ to Middleton next February.

The production, hosted at Middleton Arena, will be the first time that West End producers have visited Middleton, and also the first time bringing a week-long run to the borough of Rochdale.

The new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic masterpiece places the writer herself amongst the action, as she wrestles with her creation and with the stark realities facing revolutionary young women, then and now.

Head of Events and Programming at Middleton Arena, Jonathan Higgins said: “We are delighted to be bringing such an iconic story and exciting new adaptation to Middleton.

“Our venue is the only one in Greater Manchester to have secured dates on the national tour. It’s a milestone for us in terms of the kind of programming that we strive to offer. It’s also the first time that a West End producing house has visited Middleton and also the first time that the venue has hosted a week-long run.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region and hope that they might spend a few pounds in the local pubs and restaurants too.”

 

 

Adapted by award-winning writer Rona Munro and co-produced by leading company Selladoor, Matthew Townshend Productions, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, and Perth Theatre at Horsecross Arts, ‘Frankenstein’ is set to depict Shelley onstage (portrayed by Eilidh Loan), as she unfolds her monstrous tale of creature (played by Michael Moreland) and creator (Ben Castle-Gibb).

Rona, who has written extensively for stage, radio, film and television, said: “This story has been told and retold in hundreds of different versions since it was first written. But it remains the dark and rebellious roar of its adolescent author.

“Mary Shelley was only eighteen when she wrote the novel and she’d already broken every social rule that should have shaped her life.

“That’s the version of ‘Frankenstein’ I’ve returned to, the version of the novel. The story is told in the voice of that defiant and passionate young girl accusing her elders, the culture of her age and intent on terrifying the whole world.”

The production will be directed by Patricia Benecke, with composition and sound design by Olivier Award-nominated composer Simon Slater, lighting design by Grant Anderson and designed by the award-winning Becky Minto.

‘Frankenstein’ opens at Middleton Arena on Monday 24 February 2020 and runs until Saturday 29 February, with matinee and evening performances.

For ticket prices and other information visit: 

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/62504/events-in-rochdale/mary-shelleys-frankenstein