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Original poster

Frankenstein at the theatre

60 replies

totallyyesno · 30/04/2020 18:57

The National Theatre is streaming Frankenstein (with Benedict Cumberbatch) tonight if you are interested!
inews.co.uk/culture/arts/national-theatre-live-streaming-at-home-youtube-how-watch-frankenstein-free-nt-plays-schedule-full-2524268

My question is - has anyone seen it and would it be suitable for a ten year old? Thanks.

OP posts:
hippohector · 30/04/2020 18:58

It says suitable for ages 12+ on the National Theatre website

StopMakingATitOfUrselfNPissOff · 30/04/2020 19:15

I've seen it (a long while ago!), I'm not sure it would be suitable tbh. Isn't it on all week so you can watch it on your own and decide?

bookgirl1982 · 30/04/2020 19:22

I've seen it and doubt it would be suitable.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

10 year olds
Danglingmod · 30/04/2020 19:24

I don't think so. The opening twenty minutes is very physical (impressive but possibly scary) and there's a rape scene of sorts...

ShowOfHands · 30/04/2020 19:26

A friend saw it and said it's probably only suitable for a v mature 12yo and certainly not younger.

I've loved the NTL screenings, can't wait for this one (we watch them on Fridays).

Chelseabunsforme · 30/04/2020 19:32

Seen it and absolutely not suitable. Rape of a corpse scene, if I'm remembering it right. I won't watch it again.

HaveAtEm · 30/04/2020 19:37

I've just switched it off...gave it 25 minutes and can't get on with it! No idea what's going on...a lot of writhing about, moaning and not much else really! I'm a lover of theatre, but honestly...no 🤷‍♀️😱🤦‍♀️ not a clue!

Egghead68 · 30/04/2020 19:38

I’ve seen it. It is great but like others I don’t think it is suitable for most 12-year-olds.

Pinkflipflop85 · 30/04/2020 20:11

I wouldn't let a 10 year watch it.

Original poster
totallyyesno · 30/04/2020 21:56

Ok thanks.

OP posts:
airforsharon · 30/04/2020 22:07

I watched it with my 11yo twins and 13yo. I wasn't expecting them to stay the distance - anything over an hour and they usually start to fidget - but they were all engrossed. The rape scene is pretty well disguised by the angle it's shown from & lighting - i realised what was happening but DDs just thought he'd hit her.
I'm not a fan of BC but i did enjoy this, i thought the set and lighting were great.

BonnesVacances · 30/04/2020 23:10

The actual rape and murder scene was edited out for YouTube so it wasn't in tonight's screening. This might make it suitable for a 10 yo. There are some bare breasts but that's it, I think.

airforsharon · 30/04/2020 23:16

It was @BonnesVacances although i hadn't seen the play before so it might have been trimmed? But it was definitely there & obvious to me what was happening.

viques · 30/04/2020 23:22

Saving this for tomorrow night. I saw it at the National with Benedict as the monster, so will watch tomorrow when it is Jonny as the monster. I can't get my head around how they managed to swap the roles . I can't even remember a shopping list unless I have it logged in my phone, which reminds me........

YippieKayakOtherBuckets · 30/04/2020 23:23

The version on YouTube has edited the rape and murder of Elizabeth quite significantly. I saw it at the theatre and remember that there was an audible snap as the Creature broke her neck. It remains one of the most shocking scenes I’ve ever seen on stage.

airforsharon · 30/04/2020 23:33

there was an audible snap as the Creature broke her neck.
Good grief Shock I'm glad it was edited, then, that's too brutal for an early evening show imo.

Nettleskeins · 30/04/2020 23:49

Is there the suggestion that the creature is from a gibbet ie hanged originally, or at least some portion of him. I think the opening scene shows a hangmans noose behind the luminous crucible/womb. Perhaps.that was where he was heading, as if he has that taint irrevocably in him, or perhaps it is.the violence perpetrated on him at time of creation (like scene with creatures destined wife, who looks like she is.being tortured when f is galvanising her)
All very violent but v moving/upsetting too the way they end up in the Arctic bound together by that violence.

LilacTree1 · 30/04/2020 23:51

So Jonny is Creature tomorrow

Does that mean it will only be on from 7pm. Bit confused.

Nettleskeins · 30/04/2020 23:52

Tbh even without the killing scene it felt very dark. Creature was very sympathetic tho, more so than frankenstein. Perhaps it is cumberbatch that is so compelling/strangely innocent

LilacTree1 · 30/04/2020 23:53

It’s great generally and says a lot about humanity

“Why did you make me?”

“because I COULD”

Nettleskeins · 01/05/2020 00:04

I liked the rare funny bits too. And I loved all the M ilton. Dont remember that from original, will have to check. Was on edge of my seat forbso much of it, kept thinking they might change outcome. But alas no

IAmReportingYouForBBQing · 01/05/2020 00:08

I have always loved the book and watched adaptations for movie and tv etc but tonight.... I loved it. It's been such a long time since anything on tv has moved me as much. I cried repeatedly for the creature and how he was let down.

I loved the way they did it. The stages of development .... Like seven ages of man in 5 minutes. The lighting design was just beautiful I loved the set. I can't wait until tomorrow!

LilacTree1 · 01/05/2020 00:14

“ Like seven ages of man in 5 minutes. ”

Yes. And great music.

BonnesVacances · 01/05/2020 07:58

BC as the Creature is available now until next Thursday. And then at 7pm tonight, both versions be available to watch with JLM as the Creature too.

Both seem to have something different to offer, so will look forward to watching tonight's version.

BC's Creature was childlike, innocent and JLM's Frankenstein was manic, descending into madness.

JLM's Creature was menacing and scary and BC's Frankenstein was cold and unpleasant. This version seems more suited to them, I think.

StopMakingATitOfUrselfNPissOff · 01/05/2020 09:22

I've only seen JLM but he was fantastic. I can't quite get my head round BC in that role so might watch it!