PROFESSIONAL composer Alison Willis and writer and previous professional actress, Anne Higgins, have joined forces to stage a musical adaptation of Mary Shelley’s seminal novel, celebrating the 200 years since Frankenstein was first published.

Both teachers at QMC, they have been directing musicals for a number of years, using traditional published material such as Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon.

However, six years ago they dipped their toe into writing their own adaptation of the gothic novel, with Anne scriptwriting and Alison composing.

They updated it to the 21st century and brought the creature to life through modern practices, such as stem cell research and regenerative medicine. The adaptation explores the limitations of education, knowledge and science and uses a chorus to echo its cautionary themes. Anne and Alison decided to revisit their original work again for the November musical this year and Alison has rewritten all the songs to ensure its musical appeal.

Performed by the L3 BTEC performing arts and music students, Frankenstein is an ideal entertainment for the whole family and has been written to be achieved by young performers.

Following the framing device of the original novel, the song The Quest, sung by the chorus, sets the scene onboard a research vessel bound for the exploration of the ice floes and the impact of climate change.

As Victor Frankenstein appears, stranded on the ice, the narrative proper begins, using song, dance and acting, to retell the horrific tale of science over-reaching its boundaries. There are also extra characters invented to provide a touch of humour in an otherwise gruesome tale, such as Joanna the mortuary attendant who likes to eat her lunch ‘on the job’. As the creature is transformed from a collection of “body parts” and stem cells into a walking, talking being, the ensemble, who represent the ghosts of their once-alive bodies, identify which parts of their bodies are sewn together on the creature. Once the creature learns to speak and understand English he then realises how he has been abandoned by Victor, singing Creature’s Lament.

Picking up a mobile phone, the Creature learns the power of modern communication and then there is no stopping him….

With an ensemble of 25 students, a six piece rock band and a stage management team ensuring the smooth running of the show, this production should brighten up the coldest of winter evenings.

Frankenstein will be performed at QMC on Wednesday, 14 and Thursday, 15 November at 7pm.

Tickets cost £9 for adults, £7 for concessions and £5 for students and children. Call 01256 418318 to book.