A Classic Reclaimed: Mary Shelley tells her tale.
- ann-evans
- May 7
- 2 min read
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein at The Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth, from 19 - 24 May. Adapted for the stage by Rona Munro, directed by Kathy Buckingham-Underhill.
Preview
This spring, the monster rises again – but this time, it’s Mary Shelley who tells the tale.
Local audiences are invited to experience a bold and captivating new production of ‘Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein’, adapted for the stage by acclaimed writer Rona Munro, and presented by Talisman Theatre & Arts Centre at Barrow Road, Kenilworth.
Far from the usual gothic cliché, this version puts the author herself at the heart of the action. As Mary Shelley (played by Elysia Sully) wrestles with the terrifying ideas taking shape in her imagination, we see a young woman defy the expectations of her era – and conjure one of the most enduring horror stories of all time.
Joining Shelley on stage are Adam Turner, as the tormented scientist Victor Frankenstein, and Jack Ives, as the heart-wrenching and haunting Monster, whose plea to be loved still echoes powerfully today.
“This is a Frankenstein for anyone who has ever wrestled with their own voice – or been told they shouldn’t have one,” says director Kathy Buckingham-Underhill. “Rona Munro’s script lets us see Shelley not just as a writer of genius, but as a woman full of conflict, urgency, and courage. It’s exhilarating.”
Rona Munro is one of Britain’s most highly respected playwrights, known for her gritty storytelling and emotional depth. She is the only writer to have contributed to Doctor Who in both its classic and modern eras. She won the Evening Standard Best Play Award for ‘The James Plays’ trilogy, earning her a Laurence Olivier Award nomination. Her adaptation of ‘Frankenstein’ has been praised for its “dark intelligence and theatrical flair” (The Guardian).
In this gripping retelling, we see the lines blur between creator and creation, and we come face to face with the fears, hopes, and ambitions of a woman who dared to imagine what others could not.
‘Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein’ runs from Monday 19th to Saturday 24th May 2025 at the Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth. Showtimes are at 7:30 pm each evening. This is a bold reimagining of a Gothic classic not to be missed. Tickets are now available via the website www.talismantheatre.co.uk or by contacting the Box Office directly on 01926 856548.
YOUTUBE TEASER TRAILER VIDEO by James Harris is here: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein - 19th to 24th May 2025
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