Back in 2011, London’s National Theatre played host to the critically-acclaimed Danny Boyle production of Frankenstein, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller in leading roles. In this innovative production, Cumberbatch and Miller took turns playing the roles of Victor Frankenstein and Frankenstein's tormented Creature. Now, thanks to the National Theatre and its #NationalTheatreAtHome initiative, you'll have a chance to watch Boyle's production from the comfort of your own home. Both versions of Frankenstein will stream for free on Youtube on April 30th and May 1st.
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Frankenstein weaves a dark tale of creation and abandonment, and of two doomed souls bound to each other. Victor Frankenstein, a promising young scientist, creates life in the form of an innocent, yet physically gruesome, being. The doctor is appalled by the living result of his ghoulish experiment, and flees in fright. Abandoned and alone, the Creature wanders into a harsh and unforgiving world. As Victor struggles with the horrors of his own actions, the Creature struggles to survive, encountering cruelty wherever he goes. As desperation gives way to anger and a need for revenge, the Creature decides to seek out Frankenstein and strike a life-altering deal.
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The cast of Boyle's Frankenstein also includes Naomie Harris as Elizabeth Lavenza, Karl Johnson as DeLacey, and George Harris as M Frankenstein, Victor's father, among others. Boyle, best-known to horror fans for his work directing the frenetic zombie horror 28 Days Later, delivers an electrifying production that dissects human frailty and the dangers of our monstrous ambition. For fans of Mary Shelley’s source material, Boyle's production also manages to shake things up, telling the story primarily from the Creature’s point of view.
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Frankenstein with Miller in the role of Frankenstein and Cumberbatch in the role of the Creature will first stream on Thursday, April 30th at 2 pm EST. Frankenstein with Miller as the Creature and Cumberbatch as Frankenstein will first stream on Friday, May 1st at 2 pm EST. If you miss these streams, the production will be available for a re-watch for a week after the original stream date.
Needless to say, we are very excited—and we suspect you are too. Check out the trailer below for a glimpse of the performance. Then, while you wait for the shows to begin, browse a selection of Mary Shelley's classic tales of terror.
Frankenstein Trailer
Frankenstein with Benedict Cumberbatch as the Creature: Thursday, April 30th at 2 pm EST
Frankenstein with Jonny Lee Miller as the Creature: Friday, May 1st at 2 pm EST
While you wait, check out Mary Shelley's timeless tales of gothic terror:
Featured image of 'Frankenstein' via National Theatre Live
