Frankenstein

Frankenstein at National Theatre, Olivier

Why see Frankenstein?

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

All I ask is the possibility of love!

Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing classic gothic tale.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is adapted for the stage by Nick Dear and realised by Danny Boyle in his return to the theatre after winning the Academy Award for best director for Slumdog Millionaire.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller will alternate the roles of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature.

Slowly I learnt the ways of humans: how to ruin, how to hate, how to debase, how to humiliate. And at the feet of my master I learnt the highest of human skills, the skill no other creature owns: I finally learnt how to lie.

Key Information

Audience

Suitable only for 15yrs+.

Run Time

2 hours with no intermission.

Dates

Finished 17 Apr 2011

Cast

Rab - Mark Armstrong
Victor Frankenstein/The Creature - Benedict Cumberbatch
Elizabeth Lavenza - Naomie Harris
De Lacey - Karl Johnson
Felix - Daniel Millar
Victor Frankenstein/The Creature - Jonny Lee Miller 
Female Creature - Andreea Padurariu
Ewan - John Stahl
Agatha - Lizzie Winkler

Creative

Director - Danny Boyle
Designer - Mark Tildesley
Costume Designer - Suttirat Anne Larlarb
Lighting Designer - Bruno Poet
Director of Movement - Toby Sedgwick
Music and Soundscore - Underworld
Sound Designer - Mike Walker

Reviews

Customer reviews

3 reviews, average rating: (3.8 Stars)

Anon

Preview Review

I had the pleasure of seeing this on its third day of previews with Benedict Cummerbatch as the creature. He gave a magnificent performance. The staging, sets, lighting and music are also as good as the National can be kudos to Danny Boyle. However, the play itself and most of the supporting cast need alot of work before opening night. I am sure I saw a work in progress and just to see the two leads perform are well worth the shortcomings of the actual play. A word of warning it is not suitable for under 15's for a good reason! ... Read more

Will

Perfection

i saw this production on March 5th - everything about it was perfect - the lighting (ranging from a womb red to a ice blue), the score, the performances (both JLM and Benedict were outstanding) and the staging. I ca understand why some would find fault with the script but i thought it was thought provoking and poetic. This is one of the best shows i have seen. ... Read more
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