Dust jacket for the book ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley (V&A Collection, museum no. E.736-1982)

A rehearsed reading of “Presumption, or the Fate of Frankenstein”, by Richard Brinsley Peake

This event was streamed live on YouTube. Click here to go to the YouTube video

Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein was published in 1818. The popularity of the novel was greatly increased when in 1823 the first stage version appeared, “Presumption, or the Fate of Frankenstein”, by Richard Brinsley Peake. The lavish Lyceum production was crammed with spectacular effects. Two centuries on there have been countless other stage and film productions. On March 7th 2019 as part of the STR’s 70th anniversary year we shall be celebrating the extraordinary continuing Frankenstein phenomenon with a rehearsed reading of Peake’s original adaptation. Although originally billed as a “melo-dramatic opera”, on this occasion time will not allow the inclusion of the music, but we will have the original stage directions. Appropriately, 2019 is also the 50th anniversary of the death of one of the most celebrated interpreters of the role of the monster, Boris Karloff.

Directed by Sue Solomon

Chaired by Eileen Cottis

Post-show talk by Simon Sladen

This event replaces ‘Creating Theatrical Magic’ which has had to be postponed and will be rescheduled next season.

All lectures are free, no booking necessary.