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Most know the story of Frankenstein but few know much about Mary Shelley the author. However this adaptation, by writer Rona Munro, shows the young Mary at 18, beginning with her creation of the novel Frankenstein.

The play begins with Mary (Eilidh Loan) rushing on stage manically scribbling in her notebook. As the stage filled with an eerie fog, lightning crashing and the sound of smashing ice, we were warned to brace ourselves for the grotesque horror to come. Victor Frankenstein (Ben Castle Gibb) is presented as a manic character sucked into the depths of obsession as he creates the infamous, bare chested, monster (Michael Morland).

Underneath the horror there is a sadness to the story that the monster feels alone as we witness the desperation in his desire to be accepted.

This is a unique adaptation with Mary at the heart of the action – and is a must for fans of the gothic horror genre.

Richmond Theatre, until 23 November

Need more theatre inspiration? See what Jenny Booth thought of The Night Watch here.