Frankenstein’s Wedding Live in Leeds

“It’s a drama with live music and the light projections will turn the abbey into a spectacular film set,” explains Pat Connor, executive producer of the project. “In Mary Shelley’s book, the wedding is a small part but we’re making it the centrepiece to allow us to invite people as guests. We’re trying to inspire mixed emotions – empathy for the creature and great fear of what he’s capable of.”

The idea was based on the Manchester Passion and Liverpool Nativity, both successful television mass participation events that were broadcast several years ago. This time it coincidentally ties in with Danny Boyle’s current production of Frankenstein at the National Theatre. The cast includes Lacey Turner as Elizabeth, Andrew Gower as Victor and David Harewood as the Creature, plus of course the audience/ congregation as extras. “We’re hoping that people will come dressed up to the nines with wedding hats, cameras and confetti, just as if they were going to a real wedding,” says Connor

Leeds’ Kirkstall Abbey will play host to a one-of-a-kind live TV event – the marriage of scientist Victor Frankenstein and his bride-to-be, Elizabeth Lavenza.Frankenstein’s Wedding… Live in Leeds is a bold and ambitious project, which explores Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece through live drama and contemporary music.

In a unique take on audience participation, the live audience is invited to attend the event in their best wedding outfits and play a real role as wedding guests.  In the weeks leading up to the event, BBC Learning and Leeds based Phoenix Dance Theatre are set to help people find their dancing feet through a series of workshops to teach 2000 locals a special wedding dance routine.  This will culminate in a mass celebratory wedding dance live on the night by an audience of 12,000.

We’re trying to inspire mixed emotions – empathy for the creature and great fear of what he’s capable of

 

Category: Hire Projects, Special Events