FRANKENSTEIN by RONA MONRO

AUDITION DATE: SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22nd 10am

PLAY RUN: 19th to 24th MAY, 2025 

DIRECTOR: Kathy Buckingham-Underhill

Synopsis:

Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1817, following a summer holiday in Geneva with a group of creatives including her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley and the poet, Lord Byron. Byron famously suggested that they should write a ghost story; he could never have guessed that, of all those assembled, it would be the eighteen-year-old Mary who would smash the challenge with such success.

Frankenstein is a story we all think we know, but much of what we think we know is based on other people’s ideas and interpretations which have stretched and altered Mary’s ideas since the novel’s publication, anonymously of course, over two hundred years ago. There is no mention of the monster having a green face or a bolt through his neck, as represented in a

classic Halloween mask or as chased by Scooby Doo. However, it is a terrifying novel, and a blockbuster, which explores what it is to be human and the consequences of tinkering with the very essence of life and death.

Frankenstein  is  a  monster  sized  novel which  has  been  adapted  by  Rona  Monro  into  a manageable piece of theatre which tells the story in a fast-paced, fluid style.

Crucially, Mary is placed at the centre of the action and the play is as much about her creative process (she even moves the action forward physically by manipulating characters and scenery) as about her hero’s story.

This adaptation lends itself to an energetic approach with plenty of opportunities to create dynamic physical responses. I picture a busy chorus supporting the roles on offer so, although there will be some doubling, I would like to gather together a team of enthusiastic actors who will bring their creativity and enthusiasm to help tell this story in the most vibrant and terrifying way possible.

The audition will involve an element of movement, so please wear comfortable clothes. Here are the available roles, the ages given are a guideline –

Mary Shelley, eighteen – Lead role, she is on stage throughout

Frankenstein, nineteen to twenty-two – A large role that requires skillful playing.

The Monster, any age – He is a largely sympathetic character, but the role certainly needs presence. It would suit someone of large stature.

Elizabeth, fifteen to nineteen – Frankenstein’s love interest. Eternally let down.

Safie, fifteen to nineteen –  Turkish, girlfriend of Felix. The couple unwittingly teach the monster how to speak.

Walton; nineteen to twenty-two (could certainly be older) – The explorer on the ship who gets Frankenstein to tell his story.

Henry, nineteen to twenty-two (or a similar age to Frankenstein) –  Frankenstein’s best friend. Felix, nineteen to twenty-two. Son of Peter, the blind man who lives in the forest.

William, twelve (could be a little older) – Frankenstein’s younger brother who comes to a tragic end.

Mother, thirties (could be older) – She dies early on but has a nice death-bed scene.

Justine, thirties (could be older) – A loyal servant to the Frankensteins. She gets blamed for killing William

Agatha, young enough to be Peter’s daughter – Lives in the woods. Master, forties (could be older) He is on the ship in the Arctic.

Father, forties (could be older)

Peter, forties (could be older)

Waldman. Forties (could be older) – A lecturer at lngolstadt University. Some of the above parts will be doubled.

Director – Kathy Buckingham-Underhill 

Mobile: 07502 576723

 To register interest for the audition or for any further information , please complete the form below.  

As with all auditions at The Talisman Theatre, there is very much an open audition policy in place and we welcome anyone to come along to the theatre and audition for the available roles. Please see our diversity statement below for more details…