West End theatre production of ‘Frankenstein’ visits Middleton
Date published: 19 February 2020
The new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic masterpiece places the writer herself amongst the action
There is just one week to go until Middleton Arena hosts a West End producer for the first time.
A new theatrical adaptation of Mary Shelley’s seminal 1818 gothic horror novel Frankenstein is set to depict Shelley onstage, as she unfolds her monstrous tale of creature and creator. The production is touring nationwide and in a major coup for the borough, will visit Middleton Arena next week.
An 18-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.
This new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic masterpiece by award winning writer Rona Munro, 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.
Rona Munro 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 Simon Slater, lighting design by Grant Anderson and designed by Becky Minto.
Head of Events and Programming at Middleton Arena, Jonathan Higgins said: “We are delighted to be bring 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’ producer has visited Middleton. 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.”
Selladoor Productions, Matthew Townshend Productions, Belgrade Theatre Coventry and Perth Theatre at Horsecross Arts present Frankenstein at Middleton Arena from 26 February 2020 until Saturday 29th, with matinee and evening performances.
Do you have a story for us?
Let us know by emailing news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
All contact will be treated in confidence.
Most Viewed News Stories
- 1Rochdale born entrepreneur aims to take health platform stateside
- 2Toast of the town: Mayor of Rochdale celebrates 25 years at renowned bakery company
- 3High Sheriff visits Rochdale’s Army of Kindness
- 4New chief executive appointed by Rochdale Council
- 5Castleton, Littleborough and Rochdale among stations to be served by Bee Network trains
To contact the Rochdale Online news desk, email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk or visit our news submission page.
To get the latest news on your desktop or mobile, follow Rochdale Online on Twitter and Facebook.