MARKING the bicentenary of Frankenstein, Blackeyed Theatre's is bringing their brand new stage adaptation of Mary Shelley's gothic horror masterpiece to the Macrobert Arts Centre this month.

In Geneva, 1816, Victor Frankenstein obsesses in his pursuit of nature's secret – the elixir of life itself.

But nothing can prepare him for what he creates and so begins a gripping life or death adventure taking him to the ends of the earth and beyond.

Adapted by John Ginman, this world premiere fuses bold ensemble storytelling, live music, puppetry and stunning theatricality to create a fresh telling of what has become a landmark work of literature.

A unique feature of the production is the use of Bunraku-style puppetry to portray The Creature. Designed and built by Yvonne Stone (Warhorse, His Dark Materials), the full size 6'4" puppet, which needs up to three people to manipulate it, adds an exciting new dimension to the retelling of the classic story.

Director Eliot Giuralarocca said: "I'm really excited to be directing Frankenstein. It's a taut, gripping thriller, an exciting gothic fairy tale for grown-ups and a morality play all rolled into one.

"It's always a daunting challenge to attempt to breathe new life into a classic but with a wonderful ensemble cast and a fusion of bold storytelling, music, sound and Bunraku-style puppetry I'm hoping we can bring Mary Shelley's gothic fairy tale kicking and screaming into life!"

John Ginman added: "Working on this has left me full of admiration for the achievement of the nineteen-year-old novice writer, who responded to the challenge of inventing a ghost story 'to curdle the blood, and quicken the beatings of the heart'.

"This version seeks to provoke thought and discussion around many key issues that have renewed significance for us today including the ethics of genetic experimentation, and the causes of violent behaviour in some marginalised social groups."

The showing at the Macrobert beings at 7.30pm on Tuesday, October 25. For ticket information, visit: macrobertartscentre.org/event/frankenstein/