A NEW interactive mobile experience exploring the history of Mary Shelley and other romantic poets has launched in Bournemouth.

The Shelley’s Heart platform, which can be accessed through the internet on most smart phones, uses satellite technology to operate as users walk around the St Peter’s Church grounds in Bournemouth town centre – where Mary Shelley’s grave is located.

Four different story paths are available on the application, with users having the opportunity to make decisions to alter the journey they go on along the way.

Shelley’s Heart combines theatrical performances, film shoots, animations and cinemagraphics to provide an immersive experience.

Brad Gyori, who has led the project as its creator, said: “We think it will appeal to school students who are studying Frankenstein, but it also can be a nice thing for people who are interested in the area and want to learn about Mary Shelley and the church.

“By focusing on landmarks throughout the churchyard, you end up unpacking a lot of cultural memories about the Shelley’s and the fictional world, which I think adds an interest to the place.”

Several dozen visitors braved the cold weather to experience the launch of the application last Wednesday at St Peter’s Church.

The stories, which overall have taken three years to deliver, including a screen play at the Shelley Theatre, feature modern alter-egos of Mary Shelley, Lord Byron and John Keats, alongside the ghost of Percy Shelley.

Mr Gyori, who lectures at Bournemouth University, said since moving to Bournemouth he developed a fascination with the Shelley story, which he felt was conducive to story-telling.

“The app is a location-aware story and the ones that have been done in the past tend to just be text and a few simple images,” he added.

“This is highly produced with film, 360 sound, animations and you have actors performing scenes, which is a lot different. You learn a lot about Mary Shelley and romantic poets as you go on this narrative journey.”

Shelley’s Heart is available to the public for free at storyplaces.bournemouth.ac.uk For more information about the projects cast, crew and development go to www.shelleysheart.com