You read paradise lost?
I was lucky enough, to get tickets to see Frankenstein at The National Theatre on Thursday April 21st. Me, _stolendreams_ and my best friend Luke had amazing 3rd row tickets, we were absolutely blown away considering we had only paid £12 each and they weren't day tickets (and we tried not to mention that too loudly after I overheard the people behind us saying 'Oh yes these seats are definitely worth the £45 don't you think?).
I'm a pretty huge theatre fan although shamefully had never been to The National Theatre before, despite the fact my best friend pretty much wants to marry the place. So a chance to finally visit this gorgeous place, to see what had been a very weel reviewed show starring the lovely Benedict Cumberbatch? How could I say no?
When we attended Benedict Cumberbatch was playing Victor Frankenstein and Jonny Lee Miller was The Creature. The show was utterly breathtaking, I honestly didn't expect to love it as much as I did. Now that I've seen it I am utterly confused by the view of some of Benedict's fans when it comes to this casting.
Before I actually saw the show, I saw a lot of Benedict fans saying that seeing him as Victor is a waste as it's a bit-part and he doesn't really have much to do.... I don't think I saw the same show as them.
Victor isn't in the show for a large portion at the beginning but in no way does that detract from the show. Jonny Lee Miller is astounding as The Creature and I honestly loved watching his first scenes, especially those with De Lacey.
When Victor does actually reappear though he has more than enough to do and there are so absolutely fantastic chances for Benedict to show just how talented an actor he is. The final scene in particular was fantastic. There is nothing wrong with having your favourite casting, but disregarding this casting simply because you want Benedict to be on stage more is the wrong attitude to take.
But in reality this wasn't a show about Benedict Cumberbatch, seeing him act live on stage or anything like that. It was a breathtaking reinvention of a well known story (I hold my hands up and say although I applaud the idea behind Frankenstein, I have never been a big fan of Mary Shelley's original story).
The staging was gorgeous and very very well done, I can totally understand why Danny Boyle has said the show could never transfer because they need the Olivier stage. It was all simple but very well used.
The book itself is probably what had been criticised the most, and yes there were weak parts within the story and the script but it honestly wasn't as bad as I was expecting it. It definitely didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the show.
I adored the train, although I can understand why some reviewers called it pointless, doesn't stop the fact that I'm very glad they put it in the show, it was amazing and very well done.
Jonny Lee Miller as The Creature was just amazing, I'm not too familiar with his work but his portrayal of The Creature was just mesmerising. It's obviously a very taxing role, and he played it superbly. He was totally captivating every time he was on stage.
However, this wasn't a case of Benedict stealing the show, or Jonny stealing the show. At least in this casting they are very well matched and suited to their respective roles, their scenes together are brilliant, I loved their interactions and their characters relationship. They work together so well, and the show definitely belonged to them.
That's not to discount the supporting cast who did a very good job as well, I particularly loved Karl Johnson as De Lacey.
I'm off to see the switched cast next week and could not be more excited. Seeing that cast, and how perfectly they performed my mind is struggling to think of the roles reversed although I have no doubt it'll be magnificent.
If you have a chance to see this, through NTLive near you definitely go, it'll be worth it. And don't pay attention to anyone telling you Victor's role is pointless, far from it :)
This was the perfect show to be introduced to The National Theatre with, and now to try to get tickets to London Road!
Oh little fyi, if a guy leaves through a door that isn't the stage door, puts his motorbike helmet on straight away and starts loading his stuff into his motorbike then he probably isn't interested in having stuff shoved in his face to be signed. Just a thought.