Talbot Heath celebrates Mary Shelley

2018 marks 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ and Talbot Heath school are proud to have been a part of the celebrations of Mary Shelley’s literary achievement this week.

A showing of a new short film ‘Her Right to Write’ was devised and acted by Talbot Heath pupils, under the guidance of Miss Peace. 

It was filmed by the Wilbee Film Company, and premiered as part of the Shelley Frankenstein Festival at St. Peter’s Church, Bournemouth.

Shelley’s seminal work has been, and continues to be, the inspiration for literary, dramatic visual and philosophical enquiry in a wide range of languages and cultures. 

The film was supported by dramatic readings from ‘Frankenstein’ and Shelley’s letters and journals, by Taya, Lily, Gigi, Jasmine and Ariella, who brought to life her monstrous creation and turbulent life. 

One of the four houses at Talbot Heath school was recently named after Mary Shelley, thanks to the overwhelming votes from the school community. 

Head Angharad Holloway said: "This anniversary has huge resonance for us here: Mary was the same age as our sixth formers when she wrote her great iconoclastic tale. We are proud to celebrate her gift to enthral but also her courage and feminism in literally going where no man had ever been before."

She added: "At Talbot Heath we place literature at the heart of our education. Our ‘Spellbound’ Festival of Literature and Illustration has proven to be extremely popular and we offer our pupils an exciting array of writing workshops and reading events to engage and entrance throughout the year." 

Four years ago, the school worked collaboratively with the Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) to perform ‘Frankenstein: The Year Without a Summer’ written by Helen Davis, at the Shelley Manor – the private Dorset theatre built by the son of Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and his wife Mary. 

The performances helped to raise funds to support the renovation work. Thanks go to all of the staff who supported this event, in particular Miss Peace and Mrs Larman for giving up their time and placing Mary within the context of Bournemouth and Talbot Heath; making it very real for the pupils.