Coleg Gwent’s drama students are using a modern twist to bring a well-known monster back to life in their production of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

The second year acting students will be performing the play by Patrick Sandford based on Mary Shelly’s novel, and putting their own modern twist on the classic by adding references to modern science.

Performing arts lecturer Viv Goodman said: “The play is very closely based on the novel, but we’ve linked the core strands of the play – for example the relationship between science and nature – and added more recent science such as cloning into the mix.

“We were looking for a challenge and this play provided us with a chance to be creative as well as educational.”

Crosskeys Campus theatrical makeup students have been tasked with creating the monster, and transforming the cast with their skills.

Viv added: “We wanted to update the traditional green monster with a bolt through its neck, to a more believable realistic type of being. So we did a lot of research and students watched the Robert De Niro film version for inspiration.

“Ultimately the play raises interesting questions and we hope the audience will be interested by the issues it explores.”

There will be matinee performances for schools on Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 February, followed by workshops.

There will also be an evening performance on Thursday 2 February at 7pm.

Performances will be in the Crosskeys Campus Theatre in X Block. Tickets are £5 or £3 for concessions and are available from the drama office Crosskeys on 01495 333472.