In a groundbreaking discovery, archivists at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford, England, have uncovered a lost folio of William Shakespeare's work, revealing a play titled 'Dracula vs. Frankenstein'. This unexpected addition to the Bard's repertoire has shocked scholars and literature enthusiasts alike.

Natasha Cartwright, a Cambridge University scholar, expressed her astonishment at the find. "Not only did Shakespeare invent hundreds of words, but it seems he also preempted the creation of iconic characters like Frankenstein and Dracula, long before Mary Shelley and Bram Stoker," she remarked. The play is described as a 'Creature Double Feature for the Ages', showcasing Shakespeare's imaginative foresight.

Cartwright confirmed the play's authenticity through carbon dating and handwriting analysis, dismissing any claims of a hoax. Despite numerous spelling and conjugation errors, she attributes these to the compilation processes of Shakespeare's contemporaries. Additionally, the manuscript's beer and ale stains suggest the playwright may have been drunk while penning this work.

The five-act play centers on a dramatic romance between Dracula and Frankenstein, which takes a turn when Dracula discovers Frankenstein's affair with a werewolf. Shakespeare's annotations clarify that Frankenstein is indeed the monster, not the creator, a common modern misconception.

Unlike Shakespeare's other works, this play is entirely prose, devoid of deeper metaphorical themes, focusing instead on pure entertainment. The play introduces colorful language, marking the earliest recorded use of several profane words.

Renowned actors are eagerly vying for roles, with Dame Judi Dench eager to portray Frankenstein, even jokingly threatening to burn down the Globe Theatre if not cast. Meanwhile, Sir Trevor Nunn, directing a West End production, highlights the challenges of staging such a play, given its extensive special effects, nudity, and graphic scenes.