It’s the hot ticket in London’s theatre world and with names attached to it like Danny Boyle, Jonny Lee Miller, Benedict Cumberbatch and Naomie Harris you can probably tell why.
This new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s infamous novel is a departure from the green headed, bolts screwed in at the sides versions of Dr Frankenstein’s creation that have previously been shown on the big screen. Nick Dear’s excellent script sees a version that is truer to the original book and explores more of the thinking behind it – something that I loved as I spent a lot of the time analysing it as I was watching it.
I went to see the production on Saturday 12th March, where Benedict Cumberbatch, best known for his role as the title character in BBC’s Sherlock, was playing “The Creature” while Jonny Lee Miller of Trainspotting fame played Victor Frankenstein – they swap roles each night. Beforehand I would have thought that Benedict would have been the more “natural” Victor and Jonny the more “natural” Creature but I was pleasantly surprised by how brilliant they were in the “opposite” roles. There were some similarities between the two characters and it was interesting to see how they merged, almost turning into each other, but there was the fundamental differences between them too.
Lasting two hours without interval you’re engrossed from start to finish. From the birth of the creature to his development and relationships it’s fast moving but you don’t feel as though you’re missing out on anything. Both the music, by Underworld, and the staging are so good that they stand out but don’t distract you from the acting.
A play that is definitely worth seeing – provided you can get tickets on the day!
