Frankenstein at Bristol Library
Posted on: 2018-02-06
Our rating:
This is a great example of promenade theatre and, if it’s something you’re yet to experience, well worth taking part in. There are four more performances at Bristol Central Library on 6th and 8th of February, and for £5 it’s not to be missed.
If you’re a lover of all things books Frankenstein at Bristol Central Library is an exceptional theatre experience combining classic storytelling with the joy of exploring Bristol’s beloved library. You might even get chills along the way.
On arrival at the production the audience were greeted by the director Adam Taub. When all were gathered he explained how the experience would pan out: the audience were given noise cancelling headphones and an MP3 player which, in unison, played award-winning musician Taz Modi’s incredible soundscape interjected with the inner voice of Victor Frankenstein (and some other characters besides). As we made our way through the library, exploring some fascinating parts of the building you’d never normally see we were transported alongside Victor’s ghost and almost became ghosts ourselves. The music was creepy and the regular users of the library probably found a group of people following a tall actor dressed in black equally creepy!
The smell of well-thumbed old books, coupled with the grandeur of Bristol Central Library and the soundscape made the whole experience incredibly tense and it really felt as if you were in a haunted house: some parts are positively scary. The use of the environment reflected the story beautifully with subtle use of lighting by way of hand held torches and small lights on the scenic elements. At the earlier 4pm performance the sun was just beginning to set and shone bewitchingly through the old windows of the library; at the 5pm performance the sun will surely be almost gone and promises to be even more atmospheric and spooky.
Taub has really brought the story back Mary Shelley’s original 1818 novel with much of the focus on Victor Frankenstein’s self struggle. The headphones shut out all other noise and not only gets you into the right space but also makes you uneasy: your heartbeat races and thumps your chest. The story has been left open to interpretation and overall the experience leaves you not only feeling uneasy but with a burning question: who is the monster?
Whilst the soundscape and music are such integral part of the story the actor, Ricky Shaw, relied on his own expressions, emotions and physicality and remained silent throughout. This, alongside the narration, brought the character of Victor Frankenstein to life.
Pure Expression are a theatre company with a difference. Their aim is to bring “theatre outside of theatre venues, performing in museums, libraries and heritage spaces” and their production of Frankenstein at Bristol Central Library is, of course, just that. It is literary storytelling at it’s best - you are fully immersed in the production.
This is a great example of promenade theatre and, if it’s something you’re yet to experience, well worth taking part in. There are four more performances at Bristol Central Library this week, on 6th and 8th of February, and for just £5 it’s not to be missed.
It is not suitable for wheelchair users as the performance involves a lot of walking and spiral staircases.
Article by:
Sarah currently resides south of the river. Her second home is the theatre and after graduating from Rose Bruford College she went onto work for a number of multinational clients based in the Asia Pacific region, she has since been working in business development. Sarah no longer has enough walls for the art she collects, subscribes to a monthly gin delivery, and loves anything a little bit quirky. She is a member of the WI and channels her inner adventurer in her spare time.
