LIGHTHOUSE - the newly-revamped and rechristened Poole Arts Centre - gets its brand-new season off to a hair-raising, and occasionally hilarious, start next week with a classic straight from the Gothic vaults.

Frankenstein might seem like an over-familiar choice for a season opener, but in the hands of theatre group Forkbeard Fantasy, the most famous stitch-up case in the history of literature takes on an electrifying new lease of life.

In a show which the company describes as "crossing the celluloid divide", we follow the efforts of a literary researcher to track down a casket - containing Frankenstein's "spark of life" - to the Swiss Alps.

Founded by brothers Chris and Tim Britton with Penny Saunders, Forkbeard Fantasy have been entertaining audiences for 25 years. Their latest off-the-wall show offers a combination of animated sets, weird gadgets, visual trickery and 16mm film for a truly multimedia presentation.

You can see Frankenstein at Lighthouse from next Tuesday to Saturday, November 9. Tickets cost from £9.50.

For information about this and other shows in the new season, call the box office on 01202 685222.