NTLive's 'Frankenstein'

Over the weekend I got a chance to see London’s National Theatre’s production of ‘Frankenstein’ through their NTLive program, which hosts viewings of their stage productions at various movie theaters around the world.  For prices that are often far below what you would pay to see a live production, you can see high quality theatre that would otherwise be completely inaccessible. 

The show was fantastic for a variety of reasons, which I shall touch upon in a moment, but my fascination was wrought primarily from the fact that I had never read the original novel by Mary Shelley.  My only knowledge of the Frankenstein mythos was basic concepts of the monster from film (most notably the 1931 version) and Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein.  Shocking, then, to discover the original creation intelligent and articulate, seeking to integrate itself into society and eventually seeking bloody vengeance against its creator when denied. 

The stage and lighting design were exceptional, with the stage consisting primarily of a circular platform split in two on a hydraulic lift, with each half occasionally disappearing into the depths of the floor to reappear shortly thereafter with different set pieces in place.  The lighting consisted primarily of a single, massive collection of light bulbs hanging above the stage like moss.  Hundreds, if not thousands, of lights beat with the action onstage, bursting brightly and then fading back into black.

The lead actors, Jonny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch, performed excellently in their respective roles, roles which they switched every other night, I might add.  I’d love to go back and see it again just for their different takes on the titular characters.  Sadly, not everyone performed to their level.  The actor playing the role of Frankenstein’s father was painfully bad, with a strange pitch to his voice that made listening to him an uncomfortable affair.  Combine that with a lack of emotion, and a number of scenes that should have come across as very powerful ended up being weak.

That said, it’s still very much worth going to see, so if there are still performances showing near you I highly recommend you go and see it before they rotate in another show.