Lacey Turner, Being Human and former EastEnders star, takes up the role of Elizabeth Lavenza in BBC Three’s forthcoming live TV spectacular Frankenstein’s Wedding… Live In Leeds.
Lacey, who won the Best Serial Performance award at last month’s National TV Awards, is joined on Saturday 19 March by Spotlight Prize winner and star of ITV’s upcoming Monroe, Andrew Gower, appearing as Victor Frankenstein, and Mrs Mandela and Doctor Who star David Harewood as the Creature.

For one night only, Leeds’ Kirkstall Abbey plays host to a one-of-a-kind live TV event – the marriage of scientist Victor Frankenstein and his bride-to-be, Elizabeth Lavenza. Frankenstein’s Wedding… Live In Leeds is a bold and ambitious project which explores Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece through live drama and contemporary music.

Nine thousand free tickets will be made available to the public to come and watch the live event and ticket application will open on Friday 18 February at bbc.co.uk/bbcthree.

Lacey Turner says: “This is a fantastic project to work on and a great story. I’m looking forward to it being live – it’s definitely an adrenaline rush and I am already very excited about my makeover!”

Andrew Gower says: “The sheer scale and challenge of the project was very attractive and to play a character as renowned as Victor Frankenstein is so exciting.”

David Harewood adds: “As soon as I saw the idea on paper, I knew I wanted to do it. Combining so many different elements, live acting, dance, drama and of course the large audience at home and at the performance, was just too dazzling to turn down.”

Following on from the success of Manchester Passion (2006) and Liverpool Nativity (2008), which were both broadcast on BBC Three, Frankenstein’s Wedding… Live In Leeds brings the passion, emotion and horror from the classic tale to a live audience of 12,000, in addition to the BBC Three viewers at home.

The event focuses on the lavish wedding of Victor Frankenstein and his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth Lavenza. While Elizabeth fusses over seating plans and the wedding band tune up for the reception, Victor broods on a dark secret – the murderous monster he has created.

Harry Lansdown, Acting Controller, BBC Three, says: “The story of Frankenstein is as relevant today as it ever was. I’m delighted to be telling its story on BBC Three through this live drama, which has a great cast and fantastically ambitious audience participation at its very heart.”

In a unique take on audience participation, the live audience is invited to attend the event in their best wedding outfits and play a real role as wedding guests.

In the weeks leading up to the event, BBC Learning and Leeds-based Phoenix Dance Theatre are set to help people find their dancing feet through a series of workshops to teach 2,000 locals a special wedding dance routine. This will culminate in a mass celebratory wedding dance live on the night by an audience of 12,000. For full dates and to book a workshop place, visit the Phoenix Dance Theatre website (booking opens at 12noon on Monday 14 February).

A range of exclusive online content to support the live event can be found at bbc.co.uk/bbcthree. Supported by BBC Learning, the site hosts specially created two-minute video diaries for Victor Frankenstein, the Creature, Victor’s bride-to-be, Elizabeth Lavenza, and Justine Moritz, Elizabeth’s firebrand maid of honour, all of which introduce the characters and set the scene for the dramatic story.

The page also supports the dance workshops, features a video tutorial and a performance of the dance that the public need to learn for the big dance moment at the event. There is also information about the event’s dress code and over the next few weeks a behind-the-scenes film, hosted by Creative Director, Colin Teague, whose previous credits include Being Human and Doctor Who, will be added to the site.

The live event features spectacular light projections highlighting the grandeur of Kirkstall Abbey in a way that it has never been seen before. Audiences will be fully immersed in the emotion and horror of the classic tale, from witnessing the very moment Victor gives life to his creation in his laboratory and glimpses of Elizabeth planning her big day, to the Creature’s harrowing and deteriorating journey as he seeks justice for his plight.

Frankenstein’s Wedding… Live In Leeds is a collaboration between BBC Three, BBC North and BBC Cymru Wales and the event is being supported by key organisations within Leeds, including Leeds City Council, Welcome to Yorkshire, Marketing Leeds and Phoenix Dance Theatre.

Notes to Editors
Frankenstein’s Wedding… Live In Leeds is part of the BBC’s Year of Books. The pan-BBC Year of Books is a year-long celebration of literature which invites audiences to free their imagination through the exploration, enjoyment and discussion of books. The BBC is the biggest producer of book-related programming and throughout 2011 will highlight its continued commitment to literature and all quality arts programming. From regular literary stands to documentaries, series, dramas and readings, the year will offer a range of new and archive programmes.
SG