Victorian Gothic Horror Told In A Nineteenth Century Home
A new show that comes to Shelley Theatre has its root in the old values of music hall.
Penny Dreadful comes to Shelley Theatre on Saturday 28th September.
Actor, Sarah Ratheram, shares what people can look forward to with this one woman show that has a firm nod to a gothic past.
The show is from the Don’t Go Into The Cellar theatre company team, who specialise in nineteenth century ghost and horror stories. With the setting of Shelley Theatre, that had its first public performance in 1870, helps create the perfect setting for the show.
With Victorian and Edwardian fiction retold to new audiences, Sarah is looking forward to bringing a show that she has been a part of for over three years to Bournemouth. Sarah says, “If I had to describe this show to someone for the first time, it is Victorian gothic comedy. It is show where you’ll see some of the favourite characters and monsters from horror fiction, but seen in a new light. From Mrs Lovett to Sweeney Todd, they’re here.”
“Penny Dreadfuls were cheap well known, serial magazines from the nineteenth century. It referred to stories published in weekly parts and costing one penny. My interpretation brings in one main voice and a core story but with a host of characters.”
Sarah acknowledged that whilst there are elements of horror, it is more about the audience being a part of the whole production. “No two shows are the same with Penny Dreadful and that is all about the live experience created and the participation from others.”
“When I say participation, I don’t mean, singling people out, that makes us all feel uncomfortable. This is about bringing the whole audience into the narrative and everyone playing their part to make it a special occasion and celebrate the effect of live theatre.”
“This is what the whole music hall ethos was about. To bring people together, to encourage participation and enjoy the whole performance together. I love performing Penny Dreadful as the array of characters and everyone being a part of this creates such a special connection from the stage to the audience. To perform at Shelley Theatre helps make everything feel that little bit special.”
