The Lost Boys bring the world premiere of The Creation of Frankenstein to Guildhall Theatre

Lost Boys, The Creation of Frankenstein

Mon 11 Jun 2018

Derby LIVE and The Lost Boys are co-producing the world premiere of the original script of The Creation of Frankenstein by Peter Roberts. Directed by Derby LIVE’s Pete Meakin and with a cast of five playing multiple roles audiences will see the actors move seamlessly between the gothic world of the Frankenstein novel and the ‘real’ world of Geneva, Switzerland where the novel was written. The Creation of Frankenstein will have five shows at the Guildhall Theatre from Wednesday 24 October to Saturday 27 October, including a matinee on Saturday 27 October.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is probably the greatest horror story ever told. Published exactly 200 years ago and written when she was just 19. This gripping production interweaves the story of Frankenstein with the story of the novel’s creation. Both stories prove to be equally fascinating.

In 1814, Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary had scandalised society by eloping together. They were not married. Or at least, not to each other. In the summer of 1816 they escaped to Switzerland. There they joined the “mad, bad and dangerous to know” Lord Byron. They were accompanied by Mary’s half-sister, Claire. Unbeknown to them, Claire was already pregnant. And Lord Byron was the father. These great writers, Romantics and lovers decided upon a competition – who could write the best horror story? Thus Frankenstein was born. And history was created.

The Lost Boys are a Derby-based theatre company who specialise in producing published works and new writing, creating exciting opportunities to work with emerging local artists and new talents. This production will be an extension of their repertory work but with a larger cast, larger venue and larger team than ever before.

The cast of this production have a wealth of experience playing to Derby audiences on the Guildhall stage, with a variety of local companies. Brought together for the first time for The Creation of Frankenstein are Ben Adwick as Lord Byron/The Creature, Paul Broesmith as Percy Shelley/Victor Frankenstein, Anna Cousins as Mary Shelley/Elizabeth Lavenza, Laura Mae Mellor as Claire Clairmont/Justine Moritz and Mat Shepherd as Dr. Polidori/Robert Walton.

Rehearsals have been taking place locally in the Guildhall Clubrooms and at The Old Bell Hotel on Sadler Gate. Behind the scenes photos and videos, direct from the rehearsal room are being shared weekly on The Lost Boys social media channels. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Those who are familiar with The Lost Boys know that they aim to take classical and popular stories and present them in new and challenging ways. This often results in tongue-in-cheek and humorous performances; this production however, is a great opportunity to take a story that everyone is familiar with and to give it a twist but in a more resonant way. Fans shouldn’t worry though, The Lost Boys haven’t grown up, they’re just on their best behaviour for this one.

This production will be accompanied by bespoke educational workshops facilitated by The Lost Boys. The workshops will encourage students to develop their own ideas about the themes and subjects covered in the novel and their relevance today. Students will also explore the production itself by looking at the creative theatrical choices that make this adaptation distinct from other versions of the Frankenstein story. Find out more about the workshops here

The Lost Boys will also be delivering Continuing Professional Development workshops aimed at teachers during September 2018 that focus on the use of dramatic elements to enhance students’ learning. They will also hold a teachers’ forum before the summer break to enable teachers to have an input into how the workshops are constructed, so they can get the most from them.

These workshops are a fantastic opportunity for students and teachers to work directly with the two lead cast members and producers of The Creation of Frankenstein. As well as being directors of their own production company, The Lost Boys have over 25 years of teaching experience between them resulting in workshops that complement what students are learning in the classroom and are grounded in an understanding of the National Curriculum.

Ben Adwick, Director of Education & Community, The Lost Boys said of the workshops that they are, “Guaranteed to be fast-paced, funny and interactive, these workshops really will bring Frankenstein’s creature to life. Join us on a journey to see things differently.”

Buy your tickets now for The Creation of Frankenstein, at the Guildhall Theatre from Wednesday 24 to Saturday 27 October.

For further information on the workshops or to join the teachers’ forum please email Ben Adwick on lostboysproductions80@gmail.com