Following a national tour featuring seasons in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s stage adaptation of Frankenstein will return to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) Playhouse for a strictly limited season from 24 May to 8 June 2025. If you missed the production the first time around or are clamoring to see it again, tickets are now on-sale via the official QPAC website, priced between $89.00 and $119.00 per seat.
This contemporary reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic novel blends innovative production elements with dynamic storytelling, offering audiences a theatrical experience where science, morality, and consequence intertwine on stage.
First published in 1818, Frankenstein is often considered the first science fiction novel, with its themes of creation, isolation, and responsibility continuing to resonate with audiences. Shake & Stir’s adaptation follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who defies nature by creating life from death. However, his experiment results in a creature rejected by society, leading to devastating consequences. As the Monster seeks vengeance, Victor is forced to confront the horrors he has unleashed. This is one of many iconic works which have been adapted to stage by the Brisbane-based producer, other examples including 1984, numerous Roald Dahl works, A Christmas Carol, and Animal Farm among others.
Artistic Director of Shake & Stir and director of Frankenstein, Nick Skubij, expressed his enthusiasm for the production’s return to Brisbane:
I couldn’t be more excited to bring Frankenstein back home to Brisbane. This production offers both the comfort of a classic story told live on stage and a fresh, modern take that will captivate theatre lovers and newcomers alike. It’s a show that promises to leave you spellbound.
This isn’t just another retelling of Frankenstein. It’s an experience. Audiences will journey into the mind of a madman, encountering things rarely seen in live theatre. With over 140 square metres of immersive video surfaces, state-of-the-art automation, pyrotechnics, and a sweeping cinematic score, this show brings Shelley’s tale to visceral, 21st-century life.
Queensland’s Minister for the Arts, The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP, also acknowledged the significance of the production’s return to QPAC:
The collaboration between Shake & Stir and QPAC to deliver an innovative retelling of this classic tale using state-of-the-art technology and visual effects demonstrates the creativity, partnerships, and talent that powers our state’s vibrant arts sector.
The Queensland Government’s investment in Shake & Stir helps this renowned arts company bring sensational stories to major stages, while also supporting its delivery of quality arts touring in schools and kindergartens across the state.
