Soham-based Viva Theatre Company is making its first foray into radio, via a streamed radio play version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. By fusing the traditions of a radio play with the latest in video editing, Viva has produced a unique streaming experience for audiences to ‘watch’ or just ‘listen to’ while taking an occasional peek at the performers and sound effects.
Viva! Founder Dan Schumann comments: “While theatres were closed, the Viva family missed performing in front of a live audience, so we had to get creative and produce ‘theatre’ in other ways. This is the first time we have combined the unique challenges of a radio play with streaming technology. The beauty of it is that we were able to work separately and safely, but create something that could be seen by anyone, anywhere. We are excited to see how Frankenstein is received by audiences far and wide.”
Produced and directed by Bridget Hickish, Keith Gallois and Alison O’Connor, Frankenstein was rehearsed via zoom then each actor recorded their individual performances using green screen technology. None of the actors ever met during recording, and had to act and react to the other actors who were never actually there. Sound effects were recorded in real time, with adverts and radio jingles, all edited in to create a complete performance. The entire show is enriched by an incredible original score by Joseph Hall.
The technical editing work was done by Bridget Hickish, who explains: “More than 500 individual sound and video files have been edited together into a seamless production and it was a joy to do. Our aim was to make it look as if they were are all in a single radio studio together. The end result has been designed to work as a visual play, but also work if anyone chooses to sit and listen with eyes closed in true radio play style. In keeping with the horror genre, and radio play traditions, the actors adapted their style for a more melodramatic effect, with some incredible individual performances!”
Frankenstein The Radio Play, by Philip Grecian (based on his own stage play and the original novel by Mary Shelley) will be available to view here https://youtu.be/3tbxhV68reQ from 8pm on Friday 4th June until midnight on Sunday 6th June, and again on Saturday 12th June from 1pm to midnight. Viewers will be invited to make a donation to Viva! to support the group’s work and the new Viva Theatre fund.
Work has continued on converting a derelict mill in Soham into a community arts and theatre centre, but the lockdowns and social distancing rules have delayed the project and costs have increased considerably. Proceeds from the streaming of Frankenstein will go to the renovation fund. Key sponsors of the project are the National Lottery Heritage Fund, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Power to Change, The Arts Council, Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, Amey Vespa and many others.
Press release from Viva Arts and Community Group
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