Review: Mary Shelley at People’s Theatre

“…Holly Stamp gave an astounding performance…”

Mary Shelley by Helen Edmundson, People’s Theatre

By Melina Turner-Deeks

I had big expectations of this production. As a long-time Romantics fan, ardent feminist and all-round literature nerd, I was ultra-keen on anything that explored the mind behind Frankenstein. It can be difficult to capture the spirit of authors we have read time and time again, however, Helen Edmunson’s Mary Shelley did just that. I did worry that I might come away with a tainted version of my literary heroes, but I left The People’s Theatre feeling like I knew them better. However, this performance is not just for the geeky poetry and philosophy enthusiasts among us; I brought a non-literary friend along as a proverbial canary in the mine, and she loved it too!

Mary Shelley published Frankenstein anonymously in 1818. As taboo and controversial as the subject matter was (and still is), the novel was an instant success. Helen Edmundson’s Mary Shelley skirted around the concept of the novel to emphasise the woman behind it; however, it was undoubtedly the elephant in the room, with hints at it throughout.  More prominently, the show explored the private relationships between Mary Shelley (then Wollstonecraft Godwin) and her close family. Being the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft, a philosopher, writer and – arguably- Britain’s first feminist and William Godwin, a radical philosopher who advocated for anarchism and atheism, can be a heavy burden. Holly Stamp as Mary gave an astounding performance and captured the frustration and unjustness that comes with being a 19^th-century woman with Enlightenment ideals.

The main plotline follows the course of Mary’s romantic entanglement with famous poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, played impeccably by Joe Moore, who captivates the audience with an honest portrayal of the bright-eyed wonderment and freethinking poet’s spirit and charm. This was complemented by the onstage cohesion of the three sisters; Mary (Stamp), Fanny (Ashton Matthews) and Jane (Minnie Dobson), who displayed a deep connection with each other.

The set (Sands Dobson) was simple yet filled with gravity and meaning. The grave of Mary Wollstonecraft loomed centre stage, its ongoing and unwavering presence was symbolic of the unending influence of Mary’s dead mother and the way that her life revolved around her loss. Also omnipresent were the other enduring influences on Mary Shelley, towering red and golden gilded copies of her parents’ most notable works; Godwin’s ‘Political Justice’ and Wollstonecraft’s ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Woman’. These props served as sofas, desks and other aspects of daily life for the characters, implying that these things permeated Mary Shelley’s life and values.

As a trigger warning, the performance involves some hard-hitting scenes and tackles issues such as suicide, maternal and infant death. However, these are all approached with humanity and grace. The choreography by Kate Plass elevates the more dramatic and intense moments of the performance, giving them a dreamy and ethereal quality.

The only bone I have to pick is the point at which the play ended. After a performance that explored ideas of liberation, freedom, passion, reputation, empowerment and independence, it seemed like the culmination should not have been Mary’s marriage to Percy, but the publication and success of her novel. It would have been more fitting to avoid the cliché of ‘she got married. The end’ and finish the play on her autonomous triumph in the literary world – needless to say, one that has prevailed through time.

Ultimately, the play is about humanity and the human spirit. An incredible performance that will leave you desperate to research more about the incredible lives of these characters and the treasures they left us. This vivid insight into the turbulent life of Mary Shelley is a must-see.

Mary Shelley plays at People’s Theatre until Saturday 14 February. Tickets are available here.

Melina Turner-Deeks is a poet and self-confessed literature nerd. She currently runs literary workshops and bookclubs in North Tyneside as The Literature Lass. When she is not baking, parenting or reading, she loves being outdoors and connecting with nature. Find her on Instagram here or Facebook here.