The Complete Plays: Frankenstein (1959)

Production Details
Title:
Author / Adaptor:
New Play:

Venue:
Location:
Staging:
Frankenstein
David Campton
Yes

The Library Theatre, Scarborough
Concert Room
Round
Original Work:
Author:

First performance:
Opening night:
Final performance:
Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus
Mary Shelley

16 July 1959
16 July 1959
12 August 1959
Company Details
Director:

Stage Manager:
Assistant Stage Manager:
Assistant Stage Manager:
Stephen Joseph

Ann Hughesdon
Rosemary Green
Don Brown
Character
Victor
Henri
Elizabeth
Justine
Mme. Couper
M. Clerval
The Creature
Actor
William Elmhirst
Alan Ayckbourn
Dona Martyn
Faynia Jeffery
Ann Hughesdon
David Campton
Stephen Joseph
Notes
○ Frankenstein was originally intended to run for three weeks in repertory. However, the final week (27 August - 2 September) was replaced by Alan Ayckbourn's The Square Cat due to the popularity of the latter.
○ This was a new stage adaptation by David Campton from Mary Shelley's famed Gothic novel Frankenstein; Or The Modern Prometheus.
○ The role of The Creature was uncredited in the programme, but was actually played by the company's Artistic Director Stephen Joseph.
○ David Campton was Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre's first writer-in-residence and met Stephen Joseph as a participant in one of his playwriting courses held at the Central School of Speech And Drama, London, prior to the Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre opening in 1955.
○ Frankenstein was presented without an interval.
○ Frankenstein was later renamed by Campton as The Gift Of Fire for subsequent productions and publication.
Links
All research for this page by Simon Murgatroyd. Image copyright: Scarborough Theatre Trust