CITY Screen, York embraces the theme of this year’s Festival of Ideas, Imagining The Impossible?, with an exploration of Mary Shelley’s iconic novel Frankenstein through one of its greatest adaptations.

On Wednesday at 6.30pm, the Picturehouse cinema, in Coney Street, is showing James Whale’s 1931 film of Frankenstein (PG) in conjunction with an introduction from two of the University of York’s experts in 18th century literature: Jon Mee, professor of 18th century studies, and Dr Mary Fairclough, a senior lecturer in the department of English and related literature.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s first and most famous novel, written at the age of only 18, since when it has shaped our imaginations in diverse, profound and enduring ways. So much so, it could be said that no teenager has influenced popular culture to the extent of Mary Shelley.

Whale’s film was adapted from Peggy Webling’s 1927 stage play, rather than directly from the novel, and it is Whale who introduced the mythology of neck bolts, electricity-fuelled resurrections and brain implants gone wrong.

Dave Taylor, City Screen's marketing manager, says: "We're delighted to be involved in the Festival of Ideas, now in its eighth year, and we greatly welcome Jon Mee and Dr Mary Fairclough to give us further insight into Mary Shelley’s seminal work and how it differs from its cinematic portrayal."

FIFTY years on since 2001: A Space Odyssey (U) was launched on the world, City Screen is to show a Vintage Sundays season of Stanley Kubrick's films, starting with the New York City director's iconic sci-fi movie this weekend. Dr Strangelove (PG) will follow on June 10; Spartacus (PG), June 17; Barry Lyndon (12A), June 24, and The Shining (15), July 1, all starting at midday.

In addition, the documentary Filmworker (15) will be shown on Monday, June 18, prompting marketing manager Dave Taylor to say: "It's a great opportunity to learn more about Leon Vitali, who, after his acclaimed performance as Lord Bullingdon in Kubrick's adaptation of Thackeray’s Barry Lyndon, surrendered his own career to work as Kubrick’s right-hand man. For more than two decades, Vitali played a crucial role behind the scenes, helping Kubrick make and maintain his legendary body of work."

Tickets for Frankenstein and the Kubrick season are on sale at picturehouses.co.uk, on 0871 902 5726 or in person at the box office.

Charles Hutchinson