"The story has been so distorted over the years," he said.

"The creature is often shown as a mute, lurching monster. But Mary Shelley's version was a very articulate being."

Henry would know - he has taken the role of Dr Victor Frankenstein this week, as the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre hosts Nick Dear's stage adaptation of the 1818 Gothic classic.

The story is a staple of modern horror and popular culture, with actors as varied as Boris Karloff, Robert De Niro, Christopher Lee and Benedict Cumberbatch playing the creature. Henry said presenting a fresh take on a well-loved story was essential, and the troupe gained that freshness by sticking closely to the novel.

"The best thing is playing to audiences who don't know the story, or who think they know the real story," he said.

"Because people often have this idea of the story as a horror, which is not true."

The production has run since February, playing in more than 30 theatres across the country before finding its way to the IPAC for six performances between yesterday and Saturday. It is a confronting and intense two hours, with no interval.

A cellist plays live on stage for much of the production, as actors stand on a sparse stage lit by torches.

The action takes place in a small acting circle in the centre of the stage as other actors create sound and light effects.

"The director consciously keeps the actors visible even when we're not in the scene. It's almost a love letter to theatre, to show the audience exactly what is going on," Henry said.

Frankenstein runs until Saturday.