frankenstein, national theatre

The final scene with Lee Miller as the creature and Cumberbatch as Frankenstein

We were SO lucky to finally manage to get tickets to see this (thanks LPP&P!) and had been looking forward to it for AGES!

And I think that we were especially lucky to get them on a night where Jonny Lee Miller was playing the creature, as he was absolutely mesmerising.

The whole thing starts with the ‘birth’ of the creature – literally spilling from a womb-like container.  Shocked, dazed and confused, he lays convulsing on the floor covered in blood (with a lot of todger action going on – unfortunately we weren’t at the front!).  We watch as we see the creature discover movement, until Frankenstein (Benedict Cumberbatch), appalled at what he has created, casts him out into the unknown.  The creature walks the streets, where he is hounded by the people of the city, and then out into the countryside, where he is taken in and educated by an old blind man.

Well, we all know the story – and it IS a fantastic story.

Danny Boyle’s production is spectacular.  The set is surprising, intriguing and very creative – complete with fire holes, and rain falling from the ceiling.  Oh yes, and an EXTREMEY loud bell, that was almost deafening when it rung (which was a few times during the performance).

Miller’s performance shone, but didn’t actually outshine Cumberbatch who (in his best Sherlock-esque style) was a very believable Frankenstein.

The script by Nick Dear was poignant, emotional and very bleak in places – as it should be.

Elizabeth’s performance was likeable, light and naive – and the only slight niggle in the whole thing was the role of Frankenstein’s father which was played by the brilliant George Harris.  I know art is (and should be) colour-blind, but it just jarred, having Frankenstein’s father played by a black man with a pretty strong accent.  It should have worked, but it just didn’t.  Perhaps that was my fault – maybe I’m too literal – but it just made it too unbelievable for me!  Even though he played it very well!

I am SO pleased that we got to see this, and live rather than the cinema-screenings last month.  It was just so atmospheric! Loved every second of it.  Lee Miller is officially a legend!

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