BYMT comes to Greenwich Theatre for the first time in the company’s history to present a reimagining of its much-loved production of Frankenstein. Performed by a cast of 38 young actors and musicians, this musical adapts Mary Shelley’s classic novel with epic, atmospheric music and haunting harmonies.
Award-winning writer Victoria Gimby joins the original writing team Jimmy Jewell and Nick Stimson to create a fresh new version of the production, 20 years after its premiere at Theatre Royal Plymouth. The show was performed the following year at Barbican Theatre Plymouth – with a cast including a young Ed Sheeran, now a BYMT Patron – and again in 2008 at London’s Cochrane Theatre. Completing the creative team for this production is Dean Johnson (Director), Rosabella Greogory (Musical Director) and Sam Wilson-Freeman (Choreographer).
The company is proud to announce funding from Boris Karloff Foundation to support its Creative Work Placement roles on the production. Karloff played Frankenstein’s monster in the 1931 movie.
Fear spreads fast, but judgement builds terrifying momentum.
This visceral new musical adaptation of Frankenstein rips into society’s gaze: how do we decide who is dangerous, who is worthy, and who is denied humanity altogether? Fast‑paced and drenched in tension, it hurtles through a world where snap judgements turn lethal and rejection becomes a force of its own.
Performed by a ferocious cast of young performers, this production never slows to catch its breath. Scenes snap by with cinematic intensity, driven by an urgent, propulsive score, sharp jump scares and bold theatrical set pieces that keep audiences on edge.
Relentless and unsettling, Frankenstein is a gripping theatrical experience that leaves no room to look away. This adaptation exposes the violence of judgement itself.
Jimmy Jewell, Composer: “We’re Frankenstein-ing Frankenstein! 21 years ago, Nick Stimson and I sat down to write Frankenstein and realised we needed the incredible young people at BYMT to do it with us. I was over the moon to be asked by BYMT to bring this monster back to life 20 years after its first performance, but we did need some fresh blood to get the heart pumping again, so the fabulous Vicki Gimby has donned the surgical gloves and together we are breaking the beast down and giving it new life. There’s a new energy, new songs from Nick and me, and an incredible creative team on board. I can’t wait to see what the young performers do with it, it’s going to be electric!”
Boris Karloff Foundation spokesperson: “We’re proud to support BYMT and the vital opportunities it creates for emerging theatre-makers to develop into early-career professionals through new music theatre. It feels especially meaningful to celebrate our connection through Frankenstein – a story close to the Boris Karloff Charitable Foundation’s heart – with the memory of Karloff’s portrayal of the Monster being endlessly reimagined and resonating with new generations. We’re excited to be part of that ongoing creative legacy together.”
Emily Gray, BYMT Creative Director: “When we explored revisiting shows from BYMT’s past with our Young Company Panel, the idea of a reimagined Frankenstein quickly took hold. The Panel had been discussing their desire to tell a horror story through musical theatre, and here was the perfect opportunity. It’s a story that has been told many times, but we’re excited to create a distinctive interpretation shaped by the voices of contemporary young people, the power of song, and an almost continuous score. It’s a thrilling prospect, and the brilliant young performers, musicians and theatre-makers of BYMT are ready for this electrifying show to entertain audiences in Greenwich this summer.”
Hannah Kamil, Young Company Member: “As young performers, we will bring this show to life with a fresh take on this much-loved story. I am very excited for this show to be performed again after reading the fantastic response it had in 2006. I’m very happy to be performing with BYMT in London, my hometown. The story itself is so gripping and leaves you reflecting on what it really means to be a human. I think audiences will love the show because it is a one of a kind musical that you can’t find anywhere else!”
Frankenstein is one of six BYMT 2026 productions. During the summer, the company also presents: The Clockmaker’s City (Z-arts, Manchester, 31 August – 2 August), Technical Difficulties (Hull, 7-8 August), Paper Stars (Barnfield Theatre, Exeter, 14-16 August), and its NMTA-winning Sea Change (Birmingham Hippodrome, 28-30 August). Alongside these performances, the company’s five development camps and Upskill Short Course bring together young performers and creative teams to explore new ideas and shape the next generation of musical theatre.
