Monsters: a Modern Frankenstein Story

Written and Directed by Bradley Barlow

On the night of his wedding, ground-breaking surgeon Victor Frankenstein’s life is changed forever when his past comes back to haunt him. As he battles to justify the decisions made as a young man, he is thrust into the spotlight as his latest medical marvel wreaks a trail of catastrophe and destruction.

Celebrating 200 years of Mary Shelley’s horror classic, Monsters faithfully brings the story of Frankenstein into the 21st century.

Notes from the programme

I first read Frankenstein about 20 years ago and it has always been a story that has stuck in my mind, one that I’ve felt was ripe for being told in a modern setting. This year, the 200-year anniversary of the book’s publication, is an ideal time to explore the themes and ideas Mary Shelley originally explored in 1818 – Victor Frankenstein is a man driven by the power of his ego, something mirrored today by politicians, high profile entrepreneurs, and online celebrities, and the Creature’s desire for acceptance runs parallel with the rise of public awareness and reaction to gender and sexual identity.

Monsters isn’t a strict retelling of Mary Shelley’s book but it should still feel recognisable to those familiar with the book. Much of Victor’s life path remains the same as in the book but we’ve taken a few diversions that expands and develops the world Mary Shelley created. Some characters have larger roles than in the novel, others have occupations more in keeping with 2018, and there’s a few cultural nods in recognition of the book’s impact in the last 200 years.

The cast have worked hard to deliver creative, physical and emotional performances that we hope will make for an exciting production and I’d like to thank them for their dedication and perseverance in bringing this new version of the Frankenstein story to life. This has been a passion project long in the making and I’m grateful for having the opportunity to make it a reality with Pitchy Breath. Thank you for supporting us and we hope you enjoy the production.