The Donmar Warehouse has officially kicked off its annual schools’ tour, showcasing the world premiere of Eve Leigh’s play, “Frankenstein Adjusts His Ring Light (And Then Starts Dancing).” This groundbreaking production, created in collaboration with students and teachers, and directed by Anthony Lau, represents a significant stride in the Donmar’s commitment to arts education.
Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the tour aims to provide original theatre tailored for audiences aged 11-14. Over the next four weeks, it will reach over 4,000 young people in schools across Camden and Westminster—setting a new record for the program. For many participants, this will be their first encounter with live theatre, underscoring the Donmar’s mission to deliver free, exceptional artistic experiences directly to schools.
Artistic Director Tim Sheader and Executive Director Henny Finch highlighted the importance of this initiative: “As high-quality arts education continues to decline in schools, bringing performances directly to local secondary schools has never been more vital… We’re thrilled to have commissioned ‘Frankenstein Adjusts His Ring Light (And Then Starts Dancing)’ specifically for 11-14 year-olds, engaging them in the creative process.”
Inspired by Mary Shelley’s iconic tale, the play delves into themes of grief, technology, and the unforeseen consequences of clinging to the past. It follows 13-year-old Vic, who, after the death of her best friend Adam, creates an AI version of him using his phone data. As AI Adam becomes increasingly impacted by harmful online influences, Vic struggles with losing control over her creation, navigating the delicate balance between love and danger.
The cast includes Yanexi Enriquez as Vic, Issam Al Ghussain as Adam, and Rachael Spence as Julie, supported by a skilled creative team. This tour highlights the Donmar’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of theatre enthusiasts and artists.
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