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Lovers of theatre who are currently stuck in lockdown are being offered a real treat. Many may remember Danny Boyle’s play, Frankenstein, which had a short run from 22 February until the 2 May 2011. Boyle is well known from his career in film, creating a well respected name for himself with well known hits such as Transpotting, Slumdog Millionaire, and 28 Days Later. His stage adaption of Frankenstein is a well regarded, striking take on the well known tale.
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Johnny Lee Miller, the two actors swapped roles each night, alternating who would play Victor Frankenstein, and who would play his monster. Both actors are well known for their talent, this unique nightly switching of roles only added to how fresh, and involved, both actors remained during the run of the play.
Written by Nick Dear, and adapted from Mary Shelley’s well known novel of the same name, the stage adaption contains numerous differences from the book, making it a new, and interesting watch for even the biggest of Frankenstein fans.
For those of us who were unable to see the play live, it is now available on Youtube, until 7PM on Friday 8 May. As part of the National Theatre at Home initiative, to help raise money for the National theatre, and to help keep up the spirits of those in lockdown, both versions have been made available to view for free, allowing us to see both actors take on each role.
Certainly an interesting way to spend a few hours while theres little else to do!
Other productions that, like Frankenstein, were otherwise unavailable for viewing outside of attending the play live, will be going up on the National Theatre Youtube channel in the coming weeks. Along with the plays there is a link offering the option to donate, in order to help the British theatrical institution while it must remain closed due to current lockdown conditions.
You can find both of the streams on the National Theatres Youtube channel now.