The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
CREATOR OF A MONSTER
Show presents a fascinating insight into the life of the author of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, writes Susan Welsh
Alittle more than 200 years ago, on what was about to become another dull and sun-less day in Switzerland, Lord Byron had an idea.
To pass the time, he’d challenge the guests staying with him at a villa in Switzerland, Percy and Mary Shelley, to each write a ghost story.
Two days later, teenager Mary, who had recently watched her premature baby die, had a “waking dream” and began to write a story that would haunt and define her for the rest of her life.
The novel, Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus, written by 18-year-old Mary, tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who, during a science experiment, creates a hideous “human” creature.
Frankenstein’s monster has become one of the most instantly recognised figures of all time, while the story of Mary is largely unknown.
The Monster and Mary Shelley, a highly acclaimed production from The Occasion Theatre, sheds light on Mary’s life with a show that brings together elements of music hall, melodrama, horror and teenage rebellion, accompanied by a pulsing, contemporary cinematic score,
The one-woman show, starring Catherine Gillard, visits Inverness and Methlick this weekend.
Catherine, who founded the theatre company with Peter Clerke, said: “We started developing the idea for the show in 2017 with writer Stewart Ennis, and decided to focus on Mary as she had a fascinating life.
“The show opened last year which was appropriate as that was the 200th anniversary of the publication of Frankenstein, and as there was a lot of interest we decided to bring the show back.”
Mary spent some of her childhood in Broughty Ferry, having been sent there by her father when she was around 14.
“Having lived in Dundee, Mary would have seen the whaling ships sailing in and out of the harbour, and Frankenstein has a whaling ship connection,” said Catherine.
“There’s a lot of things that happened in her life that may have influenced her writing which we explore.
“At times she was surrounded by death – she gave birth to four children but only one survived; her own mother died 10 days after giving birth to her; her half-sister killed herself and Percy Shelley’s first wife killed herself because he’d left her and run away with Mary.
“Considering the amount of death she experienced, I’m not surprised she started to think about re-animating bodies,” said Catherine.
Catherine stars as Mary and the play sees her look back on her life.
Although it’s a one-woman show, the “monster” is on stage with Catherine throughout, and without giving too much away, has conversations with Mary.
Atmospheric, moving and at times darkly comic, this brilliant show invites the audience to learn more about the Gothic teenager who electrified the world.
The Monster and Mary Shelley is being performed in the One Touch Theatre, Eden Court, Inverness, this Saturday October 19, and at Haddo House, Methlick, on Sunday, October 20.
“At times she was surrounded by death – she gave birth to four children but only one survived
● Contact: Eden Court on 01463 234234 and Haddo House on 0131 458 0200.