Cruel Britannia: After Frankenstein at Arts Centre Melbourne

Originally from London and previously based in Melbourne, critically acclaimed writer and performer Kristen Smyth is known for her queer retellings of classic stories, such as the award-winning The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven. Now, she tackles Mary Shelley’s 1818 gothic novel Frankenstein with the Australian premiere of Cruel Britannia: After Frankenstein, a transgender reimagining of the story set in 1980s London.

Opening on Thursday November 21 (with a special preview performance the night prior), Cruel Britannia tells the story of Captain Walton. It navigates a changing society in the midst of Thatcher’s Britain, complete with club culture, skinheads and a rising cost of living. A powerful and revolutionary retelling, Cruel Britannia questions who we call monsters and who we don’t.

A solo theatre show written and performed entirely by Smyth, Cruel Britannia brings to life Smyth’s poetic text with director Cohan and a majority transgender and non-binary creative team.

Cruel Britannia: After Frankenstein runs at Arts Centre Melbourne’s The Show Room from November 20 until November 30, with a preview performance on Wednesday 20. Matinee performances are on October 19, 23 and 26.

Tickets are on sale now at artscentremelbourne.com.au.

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