On Saturday afternoon take a picnic along to Broomfield Park and watch a bold and fresh retelling of Mary Shelley's classic Gothic horror story.
When explorer Captain Robert Walton discovers Victoria Frankenstein stranded on an ice floe in the Arctic Ocean, he learns the incredible story of how she came to be there. In a time when women were not allowed to study science, Victoria had to pretend to be a man named Victor in order to attend university. Her secret is eventually uncovered, and she is asked to leave. But before that happens, she becomes close to a teacher who shares unusual ideas about science — ideas that lead Victoria down a dangerous path, one that will change her life forever...
The season of open-air events that make up the 2025 Broomfield Summer Festival is nearing its end, but it's certainly not bowing out gracefully. Saturday afternoon's theatrical adaptation of Mary Shelley's Gothic novel Frankenstein by the acclaimed company British Touring Shakespeare will deliver an electric shock to audiences as it adds an unexpected twist to a story about scientific hubris and its devastating consequences. A story that we probably all think we know well (but probably don't).
Touring Shakespeare Company, the team behind recent acclaimed open-air tours of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, The Hound of the Baskervilles and Dracula bring Mary Shelley’s gothic horror classic to life, telling the stories of Victoria and the creature she gives life to in a brand new adaptation that will both thrill modern audiences and delight fans of the novel.
"Breathing new life into a Gothic classic"
"Frankenstein tells the story of an obsessively ambitious scientist who defies natural law by creating life from death. The result, however, is a horrific monstrosity. Most audiences will be familiar with the novel’s themes: the quest for knowledge, the consequences of playing God, and the tragic fallout between creator and creation.
"One of the most inventive and successful choices by writers Andrew and David Hobbs was reimagining the familiar scientist of Victor Frankenstein instead, as Victoria Frankenstein. In this clever adaptation, during her university years, Victoria uses the alias of “Victor” to enter academia, before ultimately being discovered. It’s a simple yet inspired decision, offering fresh commentary on gender, identity, and ambition, whilst remaining true to the philosophical undercurrent of the novel. This clever choice by the writing duo breathes freshness into the familiar narrative without compromising the eerie tone of the source material."
From a review of the British Touring Shakespeare production of Frankenstein by Elisha Pearce on the Voice Mag website
To adapt Frankenstein for the stage, Andrew and David Hobbs, carried out in-depth research. David Hobbs, a retired Royal Navy Commander and historian explains:
"We've striven for authenticity in both the dialogue and the staging—particularly in the naval scenes. The language reflects the period’s seafaring vernacular, and every detail—from the sound of rigging to the prop design—has been informed by rigorous historical research. Audiences will feel transported aboard Walton’s vessel as Victoria Frankenstein recounts her chilling journey.”
NB This play contains adult themes which some younger children may find scary, so parental discretion is advised.
