A modern-day Frankenstein at The Space

By Beth Allcock on October 12, 2012 10:29 AM |

CS29813060Chris Houckham-West i.jpg

A converted church will house a complete re-interpretation of the terror tale of Frankenstein.

Mary Shelley's iconic novel has been transformed into a much more "abstract adaptation" for its debut on the stage at The Space Theatre, in Westferry Road.


Actor Chris Houckham-West, who will act as producer as well as taking to the stage for the lead role of Frankenstein, explained that artistic director Adam Hemming had brought the gothic storyline back into the modern age with a re-telling centred on the fantasies, desires and dangers of everyday living.

"It's very modern and the main twist in the story is that it's set in the Big Brother house," said Chris.

"The interpretation of Frankenstein in the modern day at the moment is more of a Halloween-type creation and its's really nice to get to the core of the story of vanity and bullying towards this creation who is a bit different.

"I read the story myself at school and it is a completely different interpretation this time."

He added: "It's really nice to be able to take it in a different direction and make it a bit more relevant to today's society.

"They should really be able to relate to it a bit more than a story that's more than 100 years old and it's nice they will be able to relate with what issues they are going through.

"It would be really nice to get youngsters to the show, especially people who are studying it at GCSE, and to be able to associate it to things they are watching on television is really nice."

And the making of these particular modern-day monsters will be shown in-the-round, a theatrical staging that Chris believes can only add to the drama.

He added: "We have got it set in the round and it will be a lot more engaging for the audience, and they will instantly fell it there in the performance.

"The Space is a place where the audience can really see the expressions on the people's faces."

And for an extra-special way to enjoy the play, both members of the cast and audience will be taking part in a masquerade ball after the curtain closes on the final night.

Masks are mandatory, with treats of canapes, performances, a glass of fizz and a breakfast snack providing extra incentives.

Frankenstein at The Space, October 11 to 13, £10 (£8). Masquerade ball tickets are £25 (£30) including a Frankenstein ticket.

Call 020 7515 7799 or go to space.org.uk.

1 Comments

Frank N Stein said:

An unpolished performance with an apparently amateur cast. Difficult to follow with few prop's and some strong ascents. Disappointing from "The Space", as normally show some very novel and engaging performances.

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