BBC stages Frankenstein story as live musical extravaganza in Leeds

Having staged a passion play in Manchester about the last hours of Jesus and a Liverpool recreation of the nativity , the BBC last night announced its latest big-budget urban musical extravaganza – bringing Frankenstein to life in Leeds. Frankenstein's Wedding ... Live is being billed as a "bold and ambitious music and drama event" and will air live on BBC3 in March next year. It will be filmed in the city's Kirkstall Abbey with "spectacular light projections and audience participation throughout". Peter Salmon, director of BBC North, said it would be a "truly unique event both for the live audience in Kirkstall Abbey and for viewers across the UK". The reimagining of Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein's Wedding ... Live will depict the marriage of scientist Victor Frankenstein to his bride, Elizabeth. An audience of thousands will be invited to the abbey to watch it and dress in their best wedding outfits to play a role as wedding guests. Danny Cohen, the controller of BBC1 and BBC3, said it was "the kind of arts television for young viewers that only the BBC would provide". He added: "It's a very creatively ambitious project, and BBC3 is delighted to be working so closely with the city of Leeds to bring this iconic story to vibrant life." Both Manchester Passion, in 2006, and Liverpool Nativity, in 2008, were broadcast on BBC3. Frankenstein's Wedding ... Live is a collaboration between BBC Wales, BBC North and local organisations in Leeds, including the city council and the Phoenix Dance Theatre. The BBC said the new production would "stay true to the ethical and scientific themes but will burst open the classic text, fusing live drama with contemporary dance to bring a unique viewing experience for both the TV viewers and the audience in the abbey itself. "The event will focus on the lavish wedding of Victor Frankenstein and his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth Lavenza. While Elizabeth fusses over seating plans, Victor broods on a dark secret – the murderous monster he has created." • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".