The Albany Theatre is excited to open a new chapter of community theatre in Coventry, with the first show created by our new in-house community theatre group. Albany Creates Together (ACT) is a new group building on a long tradition of community theatre at the venue, with the cast and production team comprised of local Coventry talents ready to showcase their work on the stage, beginning with a production of Frankenstein.

Alan Pollock, Theatre Director at The Albany Theatre, said: "Coventry is full of incredible talent, and Frankenstein is the proof. This production is made through ACT. It is our first production performed by a cast of exclusively local actors and creatives from Coventry, and it perfectly captures our mission to put the city’s creativity at the heart of what we do."

Frankenstein is an exciting opening to this new chapter of community theatre, based on the classic by Mary Shelley and adapted by Nick Dear. First performed at the National Theatre in London with Benedict Cumberbatch in the main role, this is a critically acclaimed and innovative take on the novel. 

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the increasingly desperate and vengeful Creature determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

Just as pertinent today as when the novel was first written, this haunting tale bears shocking similarity to the modern moral quandaries of artificial intelligence and scientific responsibility. 

Director Alex Shinnick said “it feels incredibly timely to be working on Nick Dear’s Frankenstein right now, with a new film adaptation on Netflix, the story continues to resonate within popular culture. However, what drew me most strongly to this production was its powerful connection to our own community. It challenges us to reflect on the consequences of neglect, prejudice, and isolation. At its heart, the play asks a profound question: what does it truly mean to be human? Working with a community cast has made these themes of friendship, compassion, and belonging even more meaningful. Watching a group of strangers with such a diverse range of experience come together has been a privilege and I hope the performers have gained as much from this as I have.”

The production runs on Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th, and Saturday 14th of March 2026 at The Albany Theatre in Coventry. Tickets are available from £12. Further information about the show and tickets can be found online at www.albanytheatre.co.uk or via the box office on 02476 99 89 64.