Monstrous Bodies
(Chasing Mary Shelley Down Peep O' Day Lane)
written & directed by Sandy Thomson
“Sandy Thomson dives deep into Dundee’s hidden history to create a powerful and triumphantly entertaining piece of theatre that speaks with a voice that is both local and universal.”
“A rich, passionate and sometimes slightly mind-blowing theatre experience…ruthlessly honest about the physical reality of women’s lives, and memorably courageous in facing the demons and dragons of misogyny.”
Dundee Rep Ensemble and Poorboy Ensemble present
Monstrous Bodies
(Chasing Mary Shelley down Peep O' Day Lane)
Written and Directed by Sandy Thomson
Wed 19 – Sat 6 May
“On the northern shores of the Tay, near Dundee…. the airy flights of my imagination, were born”
Mary Shelley, Author’s Introduction to Frankenstein” 1831
It’s 1812 and the country is coming apart at the seams. War, poverty, and riots make it a dangerous place for a young girl but after a furious row with her stepmother she is sent away from home, alone, into the care of the rich and radical Baxter family of Dundee. Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin is 14 and hasn’t met the man who will make her Mary Shelley yet. She hasn’t done anything yet. But her genius for finding trouble pitches her into a world of politicians, revolutionaries, lunatics, American fugitives, and the ladies of The Glassite Church Floral Tea Committee.
In 2017, Roxanne had so much studying to do for school she nearly didn’t go to the party on Peep O’Day Lane. But everyone needs a night off, right? She doesn’t mean to crash out but when someone takes a topless photo of her, Roxanne’s life as she knows it is over.
Unless it isn’t.
Do you know what a monster really looks like?
Photos by Jane Hobson
Sandy Thomson Director and Writer of Monstrous Bodies speaks about the concept of the production
Lily Garget, Hope Kennedy, William Drom and Stephen McMillan discuss being part of the 15 strong young company for Monstrous Bodies.
Assistant Assistant Director Georgia Tato discusses the themes for Monstrous Bodies.
Jennifer Bates speaks about access performances
Elaine Stirrat, Ewan Donald and Irene MacDougall discuss being part of the 26 strong cast for Monstrous Bodies.
“Beware, for I am fearless and therefore powerful” Frankenstein, Chapter 20
Writer/Director Sandy Thomson
Assistant Director Jennifer K Bates
Designer Natasha Jenkins
Lighting Designer Mike Robertson
Dramaturg / Additional Writing Jeremiah Reynolds
Sound Designer Colin Lowson
Choreographer Emma Jane Park
Production Manager Simon Gane
Stage Manager on Book Lesley Nielson
Deputy Stage Manager Siobhan Scott
Assistant Stage Managers Debbie Campbell, Matt Newby
Assistant Director's Assistant Georgia Tato
Cast Eilidh McCormick, Rebekah Lumsden, Elaine Stirrat, Irene MacDougall, Emily Winter, Lorna Gold, Jeremiah Reynolds, Billy Mack, Ewan Donald, Barry Hunter, Laurie Scott, Morgane Beckett, Revati Campbell, William Drom, Kirsten Ellis, Lily Garget, Gabriela Hodun, Hope Kennedy, Arlene McKay, Stephen McMillan, Olivia Nicolson, Freya Purdie, Olivia Russell, Anjini Snape, Evie Strange, Brodie Thompson
