This landmark international debut follows on from a successful collaboration last year, which saw students from Edge Hill and Dankook University join forces for a performance of the Korean version on Frankenstein at The Arts Centre in Ormskirk.
This June, a joint cast of fourteen students from Edge Hill and Dankook universities will represent the University at the 20th Daegu International Musical Festival (DIMF).
Known as the world’s largest festival dedicated solely to musicals, DIMF is recognised as Asia’s musical hub, providing a global platform for emerging performers.
Rebekah Pritchard, Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre and the show’s musical director said: “This is an amazing opportunity for our students. To be able to perform on an international stage, in front of an international audience at such a prestigious event is beyond our wildest dreams. The cast have been working hard since January to prepare for this opportunity.
“Following last summer’s show, this marks a continuation of the successful partnership between Edge Hill and Dankook Universities Musical Theatre programmes, something that Brandon Lee (creator of the Korean Frankeinstein) and I hope to continue in future years. I am beyond proud of our students and their dedication to this project. I am also grateful for the support of the Study Abroad team and International Office for this project.”
Edge Hill students are self-funding this historic trip and have organised an open rehearsal for anyone who wishes to watch and help support their journey.
This free event will take place in The Arts Centre (Studio Theatre) at Edge Hill University on Tuesday 19 May at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to attend, there is no need to book, just drop in, enjoy the performance and donate to help the cast reach South Korea.
The students will embark on a ten-day residency in South Korea, providing ample time for rehearsals and the opportunity to watch world-class musical productions. While in South Korea, the cast will collaborate with a professional orchestra and technical team to deliver a gala performance of the musical.
Alice Melling, second year Musical Theatre student said of the opportunity: “I am so unbelievably excited about our trip to Seoul and Daegu in June, it’s truly going to be a once in a lifetime experience for us all.
“Being part of Frankenstein has been a whirlwind of opportunity, not only career wise and learning more of what goes into preparing a production, but in meeting some amazing and talented performers. Performing in South Korea will be the highest honour of my life and the highlight of my journey thus far.”
Peter Ashley, second year Musical Theatre student added: “It was a great privilege to have the chance to perform Frankenstein at the university last year and it is an even greater privilege to have been invited back to South Korea.
“The prospect of going is a little daunting, as is getting up to perform on an international level at the Daegu International Musical Festival, but those nerves are overshadowed by the excitement of it all. Aside from the performing, I look forward to being in South Korea and having a chance to enjoy everything that the trip will bring.”
Follow the students on TikTok and Instagram as they document their journey to South Korea. You can support students through their GoFundMe account.
May 13, 2026
