Abandoned by his maker and treated to the worst of humanity’s scorn, Creature becomes intent on finding Frankenstein and making him pay.

After being put on hold during the country-wide lockdown, The Court Theatre’s season of Frankenstein has come back to life.

With an enforced pause less than halfway through the original four-week season, The Court Theatre has been working behind the scenes ever since to ensure that Frankenstein was ready to go as soon as alert levels allowed. The cast and crew are delighted to be able to revive their show with new performance dates.

Extending the season did not come without its challenges, however, as Auckland-based lead actor Wesley Dowdell was unable to return for the renewed season. Victor Frankenstein Understudy and Movement Director Tom Eason will take up the role, and to ensure audiences are still able to experience the special magic brought by alternating two lead roles, Eason even rehearsed the role of the Creature while in lockdown. He will play alternative roles alongside James Kupa each night.

In this Court Theatre interpretation of the classic 1818 novel by Mary Shelley, young scientist Victor Frankenstein brings to life a man-made creature, sewing together dead body parts with little thought to the consequences.

Current ticket holders have been the first to be rescheduled and further tickets are now on sale to the public, with seating arrangements allowing for social distancing as per the Government’s advice.

“Being able to resurrect Frankenstein was so important for us. Not only has it enabled our team to return to a level of normality, but it has given the cast and crew the opportunity to finish the season they’ve worked so hard to bring to life. We also take our commitment to our community very seriously and are thrilled to be able to bring back a show people have been so excited about,” says The Court Theatre’s Chief Executive, Barbara George.

With lead actors James Kupa and Tom Eason alternating between the roles of the scientist and his creation, this international hit explores the eternal themes of humanity, good vs evil and what happens when we blur the line between life and death.

Frankenstein
The Court Theatre
Wednesday 29 September – Saturday 16 October
courttheatre.org.nz