Frankenstein — Shake & Stir Theatre Co

Overview

Some of gothic horror's greatest masterpieces foresaw their longevity. Bram Stoker's Dracula will never die, and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein will never stop being brought to life, either. Shake & Stir Theatre Co took on the former back in 2015 and 2017, in a brand-new world-premiere stage production that sunk its fangs into the most famous vampire tale there is. Now, the South Brisbane-based theatre company is turning its attention to Victor Frankenstein and his creation.

The new version of Frankenstein is also a debut, and will enjoy its first season at QPAC's Playhouse from Saturday, October 14–Saturday, October 28. The story remains the same as it has since 1818, of course, following a young scientist tormented by grief, a bold push to thwart mortality, plus the consequences sparked by his act of playing god. And, as always, it will cover the impact upon the being that's spliced together, jolted into existence, yearns to belong, but is swiftly and cruelly shunned.

Audiences can expect an immersive performance that steps through Shelley's classic with Darcy Brown, Tony Cogin, Nick James, Jodie le Vesconte, Nelle Lee and Jeremiah Wray in the cast — and with a big emphasis on production design. Think: video and digital elements playing a hefty part, and meticulous sound design setting the mood.

Shake & Stir's Frankenstein follows not only Dracula, but also Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, A Christmas Carol, Macbeth, Othello, Animal Farm, The Twits, Fantastic Mr Fox and Romeo & Juliet among the company's looks backwards. In the past two years, the theatre group has brought Fourteen and Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! — both personal stories, with the first based on the memoir of the same name — to Brisbane's stages as well.

Images: Joel Deveraux.