Frankenstein, National Theatre Live, 1 May, 2020 *****

THEATRE 

Frankenstein by Nick Dear, based on Mary Shelley novel (1818)
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!)

Online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl8jxNrtceQ&feature=youtu.be

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.

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