Frankenstein's Collaborative Creators
It's been more than thirty years since Probus Parish Players performed a production of Frankenstein, and more than twenty years since Probus Parish Players took an original script, written by a member, to the stage. Luckily for us, Sam and Beth have collaborated to bring a new, original script to Probus Parish Players, making its stage debut in February 2027.
Ahead of auditions this weekend, we asked Sam and Beth to reflect upon the creative process so far, transforming the centuries-old Gothic classic into a laughter-filled pantomime, filled with eccentric, larger-than-life, flamboyant and colourful characters.
What made you choose to write the story of Frankenstein as a pantomime?
Oddly enough, it was a song! My son showed me a song that is going to be in the show and I started to think about how it would work. I started writing in 2020 and had a pretty firm idea of where I wanted the story to go.
It was Sam's idea, but, as I'd studied Gothic Literature, I absolutely jumped at the idea of bringing it to the stage. The change to the typical story of Frankenstein was interesting to me, especially since we went away from the typical romance between Principal Boy and Girl. I like the idea of teaching the youth of today that it is perfectly okay to go the distance and care about friends, without it being inherently romantic in nature.
What was it like writing collaboratively as a pair?
By 2024 my story was complete but the script was not. (Enter Beth) I showed her my script, which essentially had a beginning, a middle and an end, but I desperately needed a new pair of eyes on it.
It was very fun! My writing degree and background was jumping around with joy when I got hold of Sam's first draft. Sam was incredible with allowing me the creative freedom to change things and put forward ideas.
What was the most important thing to consider during the writing process?
It had to be fun - not just for the audience, but for the cast on stage too! I wanted it to have all the classic elements of a pantomime, but with a whole new story.
For me, it was how it would translate to the stage. We were in the unique position of editing a script that was specifically intended for the Probus stage - meaning we always had our freedoms and limitations in mind during the writing process.
What was the biggest challenge when writing the script?
For me, Act Two - the whole of Act Two! Act one was fleshed out when I passed the torch to Beth, and I was really proud of what I had done, but Act Two was bare bones. I was running out of steam by then.
Editing it down! We were both overflowing with ideas, so we had to have some serious talks as to what was being kept and what was being scrapped. With honest feedback to each other, we were able to produce a spectacular and solid script.
Which three words best sum up or capture the story or script?
Fun, friendship and alternative.
Bonkers, kooky and hilarious.
Which characters are you most looking forward to seeing brought to life and why?
That's such a hard question: they are all my babies! I'm just looking forward to seeing them all brought to life after them sitting in my brain for seven years!
Sam and Dean Losechester (the comedy duo). I am so excited to see what the cast does with the characters.
Which character would you portray if you had the choice and why?
Goodness - another hard question! Dame Jett would be fun to play, I think, but I also think Beth and I would make a great pair of Losechesters (comedy duo).
Is it cheeky to say all of them? No, in seriousness, I would love to bring Frank to the stage. I think he is a really fun character, and not just because of my love of stage effects make up!
What advice would you give to anyone else considering writing their own pantomime?
Just go for it! If you can, find someone who is on your wavelength, who you can bounce ideas off, and who will tell you you're being ridiculous or if you're on to something. Consider the vibe you are going for, but most importantly have fun with it; pantomime is meant to be silly and outrageous and if you are not having fun, you're doing it wrong!
Take your time and sit with it. Write it, leave it, and come back to it with different eyes. Also, don't be afraid of peer review! Set aside time with honest friends and have them talk through the script as if it was a read-through. You will very quickly weed out the kinks.
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