Frankenstein: Who is the monster?

I just saw an encore screening of the National Theatre's 2011 production of Frankenstein, with Benedict Cumberbatch as the creature and Jonny Lee Miller as Victor. Even though it was on film, I was completely mesmerized. The physical stamina Cumberbatch possesses is extraordinary - but his inner emotional presence is beyond. I wish I could have seen the two men switch roles, as they did each night during the production. It would be interesting to see Miller as the creature and Cumberbatch as Victor. Perhaps one day I will get the chance.

Overnight in London

I got my dose of theatre for the weekend.  My flatmate (Jude) and I went into London on Saturday just for an overnight trip. We took the train there from Stratford. It was a nice ride through the country.

When we arrived we dropped out bags off at a local hostel - Then went into central London to grab some last minute theatre tickets.

First we saw Noises Off at the Old Vic - A rather fun afternoon show. Our seats were terrible as we bought limited viewing seats for only 10 quid. We could only see about half of the stage and we had to stand through the performance in order to see that much. In a sitting position we were only able to see down stage left - A tragedy, since the second act relies so heavily on physical comedy. Luckily, I am very familiar with the play, centering around several inept actors and a director struggling to put on a production of a terribly written play, while triangulating relationships progress into farcical situations.

In the evening we were blessed to see Travelling Light at the National Theatre. The play, featuring Anthony Sher, was truly imaginative and visually spectacular. The play, directed by Nicholas Hytner, tells the story of a famous Hollywood director of the 1930s and 40s who looks back at his youth in an east European shtetl. Through the art of "moving pictures" the young man experiences love, loss, and struggles to find his identity. I found the performance very moving.

After the performance we checked into the hostel. Our room smelled like feet and contained 3 snorers of epic proportions. We did not get any sleep, and were glad to depart the next morning. We took the train back from London, but one of our trains was canceled, so we spent the last hour of our journey on a bus.

I am glad to be home, but miss the big city. I hope to make a longer trip to London later next month.