Frankenstein - National Theatre Live

Hey folks, long time no see. I've been a little busy recently so hence the lack of reviews. However, today I have something a bit different for you few readers that check in every now and again. Last night I was lucky enough to get to see Danny Boyle's adaptation of Frankenstein screened live from the National Theatre in London onto the big screen at Bradford's National Media Museum. The main actors - Jonny Lee Miller & Benedict Cumberbatch - alternate the roles each night, and we got to see Benedict in the role of the Creation. In any case, I'll post a little introductory paragraph from the website to introduce things, before going on to tell you my thoughts.

Benedict Cumberbatch as the Creature.

I followed nature into her lair, and stripped her of her secrets! I brought torrents of light to a darkening world! Is that wrong? 

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

Benedict Cumberbatch (The Creature) & Jonny Lee Miller (Victor Frankenstein)

Okay, so where on earth do I begin this one? Once again I feel that any attempt to review such a fantastic production will be in vain; for there is surely not enough superlatives to describe how wonderful this piece really was. It was a piece of theatre that simply had my captivated for two hours; from the moment Cumberbatch entered the stage, naked and writhing with the agony of a new-born, I was entranced; my eyes dared not leave the screen.

From that moment in, an intense silence settled over the audience; a tribute to how ensnared by the performance we all were. This was a silence only broken for the recognition of the many small jokes and jibes that littered the play throughout. For many, this goes somewhat against the feel of the Gothic genre, but I feel that it simply added to the performance; the relationship between the actors upon stage and the audience, sat watching in anticipation. 

The way in which the stage was designed and used for maximum potential, was just simply brilliant. There was sunshine, rain, snow; numerous props and lighting effects used fantastically and emphatically to recapture the significance of nature prominent within Mary Shelley's novel. A moving central platform allowed for quick scene changes; dynamic and infused with the energy and music to build anticipation as the players moved to the next scene.

For me the only negative was that I felt Nick Dear's script let down the piece somewhat. It's simplicity was noticed by many who watched; yet nevertheless I feel that Miller and Cumberbatch delivered their lines with such emotion and energy that the audience could not help but listen to every word. Frankenstein in essence of course, focuses on a consideration of questions: morality, love, hurt and abandonment, and I feel these are just a few of the themes that the players last night managed to deliver with such subtle genius. 

So, in conclusion I feel that this was one of the most exciting, fresh performances that I have seen in a long time; and I'm sure it will go on to be talked about by many for months and years to come. Danny Boyle, Nick Dear and everyone involved should be proud that they managed to bring a nineteenth century novel to the stage so fantastically; with a new, energetic slant and blended with the modern so brilliantly.

All in all, yesterday evening, Victor Frankenstein's Creation, truly came to life.