Leeds Playhouse has announced a new revival of Frankenstein that explores artificial intelligence and technology’s impact on humanity. The production, adapted by Jeff James, forms part of the theatre’s first season under artistic director Tom Wright.

Leeds Playhouse will present a fresh adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, connecting the 200-year-old novel to contemporary technological advances. The production, adapted by Jeff James, interrogates AI, creation, and the evolving relationship between humans and technology. It will run in the Quarry space from 12 to 29 May 2027.

At the season launch, Jeff James described Frankenstein as “the most powerful story ever written about the fear of what the future will bring,” highlighting how Shelley’s early 19th-century fears resonate in today’s world despite outdated technology like electricity no longer being fear-inducing.

Tom Wright expressed enthusiasm for the production’s urgent thematic relevance, stating it “will speak to all those questions right now about where technology is going, and also who’s behind the technologies, and who the people are making the decisions that are going to impact our lives.”

Wright and Leeds Playhouse chief executive Shawab Iqbal acknowledged the challenges facing theatre makers in navigating the new landscape reshaped by AI and emerging technologies. Iqbal called the production “really powerful and innovative” for engaging with these debates in a theatrical setting.

Both Wright and Iqbal emphasised the irreplaceable role of human artists in theatre. Iqbal insisted, “Without them, we’ll close our doors. We need people and we need their ideas,” while Wright added they aim to “navigate it safely and correctly and ethically” and remain curious about the possibilities new technology might offer the art form.

The production will be underpinned by Leeds Playhouse’s core values, including a commitment to being a theatre of sanctuary, nurturing new and local voices, and representing the city’s diverse communities. Further insight into these themes will be provided in an upcoming in-depth interview.

Frankenstein’s exploration of AI and ethical technology use marks one of the first major theatrical engagements with these contemporary themes at Leeds Playhouse under Tom Wright’s leadership.