| Fact | Detail | |------|--------| | Full name | Philip James Pullman | | Born | 19 October 1946, London, England | | Best known for | His Dark Materials trilogy (a three‑book series that has been turned into stage, TV, and radio productions). | | Theatrical pedigree | Pullman has been involved in a number of stage projects: The Amber Spyglass (stage version), The Little Green Man, and a number of radio dramas for BBC. He is a self‑described “story‑teller” who enjoys re‑imagining classic myths. | | Motivation for Frankenstein | In interviews (e.g., The Guardian, 2015) Pullman explains that the original Mary Shelley novel “is the first true science‑fiction story and a cautionary tale about the responsibilities of creators.” He was attracted to the idea of exploring “the creator/creation relationship” from a contemporary perspective, especially as modern bio‑ethics echo Shelley’s concerns. |
| Year | Production | Venue | Notable Aspects | |------|------------|-------|-----------------| | 2017 | World Premiere | Royal Court Theatre, London | Directed by Lucy Kirkwood (who also co‑wrote the stage adaptation of His Dark Materials). The production received a Critics’ Choice award from The Stage for its inventive lighting design. | | 2018 | West End Transfer | Duke of York’s Theatre | Starred Benedict Cumberbatch as Victor (guest appearance) and Ruth Wilson as the Creature (gender‑fluid casting). This run sparked conversation about the fluidity of identity in the creature’s characterization. | | 2019 | U.S. Premiere | Lincoln Center, New York | Adapted by Anna Deavere Smith for an American audience; the “Storyteller” role was given to a local poet to emphasise the oral tradition. | | 2022 | Virtual Reality Production | Online (via Oculus) | A pioneering attempt to bring Pullman’s stage play to a fully immersive environment. Audiences could “walk” around the rotating set and hear the monologues from multiple angles. | | 2024 | Revival & Anniversary Tour | Various regional theatres across the UK | Marked the 10‑year anniversary of the play’s debut; a new edition of the script was released (see below). |
Yes — but only in print. The script is included in the collection: philip pullman frankenstein play script pdf exclusive
Frankenstein (NHB Modern Plays)
by Philip Pullman
Published by Nick Hern Books (UK, 1990; reprinted several times)
An acting edition is also available through Samuel French (now part of Concord Theatricals). These versions contain the full dialogue, stage directions, and character listings. | Fact | Detail | |------|--------| | Full
Let’s say you successfully acquire the PDF. You want to stage it. Be careful.
The Philip Pullman Frankenstein play script is still under copyright (Pullman is alive and active; Oxford UP holds the performance rights). You cannot perform the play publicly without a license. | Year | Production | Venue | Notable
To obtain rights, you must not contact Pullman directly. Instead, contact Nick Hern Books (who manage many Pullman drama rights in the UK) or The Agency (London) . Explain you have a copy of the Oxford Playscripts edition and wish to pay for a performance license. Typically, rights for a school performance run £50-£100 per performance.
Websites claiming “Philip Pullman Frankenstein play script PDF exclusive” often:
No reputable theatre publisher or agent has authorized a freely distributed “exclusive” digital version.