THEATRE
Frankenstein
by Nick Dear, based on Mary Shelley novel
(1818)
By National Theatre Live, Filmed 2011
By National Theatre Live, Filmed 2011
Online
free from May 1 to May 8, 2020
Reviewer: Kate Herbert (of Cumberatch as Creature, Miller as Frankenstein)
Stars: ***** (I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could, but that's my highest!)
Benedict Cumberbatch performing as Creature: Until 7 May 7pm UK time (4am, 8th AEST)
Jonny Lee Miller performing as Creature Until
8 May 7pm UK time (4am, 9th AEST)
Info& resources for teachers, cast lists, photos etc:
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/nt-at-home-frankenstein
 |
| Benedict Cumberbatch & Jonny Lee Miller as the Creature |
Benedict
Cumberbatch, as the Creature in the first version of Danny Boyle’s production of Frankenstein, is thrillingly primitive, wretched and sympathetic
as this monstrous creation of Victor Frankenstein (Jonny Lee Miller) that wrestles
with the cruel and merciless world into
which he has been born.
‘Born’ is too warm and positive a word to describe the
gut-wrenching labour as Cumberbatch’s Creature hurls himself bodily from the artificial
womb onto the chill and unwelcoming ground. There, he writhes and crawls like a
reptile until he struggles unsteadily onto his weak, useless legs which barely
hold his weight as he collapses, rises and collapses again.
The
first 15 minutes is a brutally physical and muscular performance and the
audience is stunned into open-mouthed silence – even at home.
Danny
Boyle's s production transforms the actors and transports the audience
emotionally and imaginatively to some disturbing places.
The journey of the Creature from childlike newborn, through abused but still hopeful social outcast, secret student of the old master who teaches him about morality and literature – Paradise Lost is a favourite – to the violent, amoral and murderous Creature that hunts down Victor Frankenstein with one aim: to destroy Victor, his life and his loved ones.
The journey of the Creature from childlike newborn, through abused but still hopeful social outcast, secret student of the old master who teaches him about morality and literature – Paradise Lost is a favourite – to the violent, amoral and murderous Creature that hunts down Victor Frankenstein with one aim: to destroy Victor, his life and his loved ones.
Cumberbatch
is a commanding, rough and towering presence, seeming to channel some physical and
vocal aspects of a man with Cerebral Palsy and this makes his ostracism by the
community even more viciously offensive.
Jonny
Lee Miller’s Creature, (they swap roles on alternating nights) is almost move
for move the same as Cumberbatch’s, and yet he is a very different creature:
smaller, more vulnerable and intimate in some ways, but just as compelling.
Each has his own exceptional quality.
Frankenstein
himself becomes the antithesis of his Creature. Victor is cold, anti-social,
superior, cruel, obsessed with science not humanity, and self-absorbed and a stranger
to love, despite his betrothal to the lovely, curious and generous Elizabeth. Meanwhile,
his Creature craves contact, love, partnership, warmth, learning of literature
and humanity, and is much more attractive as a human being than his creator.
I
will not, in this short review, analyse the
atmospheric and
deceptively simple staging and the masterly
performances of the ensemble. Suffice to say, this is exceptional theatre with
outstanding performances by Cumberbatch and Miller in both roles.
I
imagine the experience live in the theatre was overwhelming, it was
sufficiently awe-inspiring from my couch watching it online. Bravo!! I'd give it for than 5 stars if I could!
By Kate Herbert
Cast:
The
Creature Benedict Cumberbatch or Jonny Lee Miller
Victor
Frankenstein. Benedict Cumberbatch or Jonny Lee Miller
Gretel
Ella Smith
Gustav
John Killoran
Klaus
Steven Elliott
Agatha
de Lacey -Lizzie Winkler
De
Lacey- Karl Johnson
Felix
de Lacey-Daniel Millar
Elizabeth
Lavenza-Naomie Harris
William
Frankenstein-Jared Richard
M.
Frankenstein-George Harris
Clarice-Ella
Smith
Servants
-Martin Chamberlain, Daniel Ings
Rab-Mark Armstrong
Ewan-John
Stahl
Female
Creature-Andreea Padurariu
Constable-John
Killoran
EnsembleJosie
Daxter, William Ny
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