Main Review 3 - Frankenstein

Frankenstein

Viewed via Video Streaming from The National Theatre

Reviewed by Darryl Harris

When asked if I wanted to watch a live streamed production of Danny Boyle’s new masterpiece, Frankenstein, I was very wary, but I’m now extremely glad that I did. The modernisation of technology allowed the audience to feel as if they were at The National Theatre experiencing the drama first hand including the addition of close-up shots that helped the viewer engage with the characters. The particular streaming I watched was held in a quaint, old fashioned style cinema and the play was projected onto a large screen for all to see.

Having well-known actors such as Benedict Cumberbatch and Johnny Lee Miller as the lead roles, made this re-telling of a classic tale simply irresistible. The set was, with lack of a better word, astonishing; hundreds of free hanging light bulbs were suspended above the audience and across the stage, these opulent globes were used throughout to light the stage but also to portray the electricity pulsing through Dr Frankenstein’s equipment. The atmosphere the lighting created was heightened by the flawless acting of both Miller and Cumberbatch. One of the attractions of this production was that the two leads would alternate roles every night; in the show I witnessed, Miller played the Creature and Cumberbatch was the infamous mad scientist, Doctor Frankenstein. Miller’s portrayal of the Creature was the stand out , for example, the first 15 minutes of the show are taken up by the Creature stumbling around the stage learning the ability to be able to walk and talk; in my opinion, for a lesser actor this would have been hard, attempting to keep the audience engaged for such an amount of time but Miller’s commitment to the role had myself and everyone else, on the edge of our seats.  The talent was so obvious for both actors throughout and I wouldn’t hesitate to see the production again with the roles reversed.

The set was breath-taking, a large turntable that disappeared into the stage to reveal elaborate backdrops for scenes such as a bedroom was one of many aspects that made this show look professional and exciting. The stage was used well by all and it was obvious that Boyle had spent time thinking about how his actors should move about. The directors attention to detail was visible throughout as the performance was well rehearsed and clean-cut.

Overall this play reminded me why the British are reknowned for their theatre. Forget Shakespeare, shows like Frankensein are the future and I look forward to watching other productions that catapult me into a fantastical world of drama and talent.