National Theatre Live: Frankenstein

A bewildered creature, cast out by its horror‑struck maker, finds itself in a hostile universe. This classic horror tale is performed on stage by Jonny Lee Miller opposite Benedict Cumberbatch, delivering the timeless story in a live theatrical production for audiences today.

National Theatre Live: Frankenstein is a programme presented as part of the National Theatre Live series. It is classified under the movie genre and brings a stage production to the screen for a wider audience. The broadcast captures the theatrical performance in a format that can be viewed at home, preserving the original staging while delivering it through a televised medium. Viewers can watch the entire performance without leaving their homes, experiencing the full scope of the production as it was originally staged. The narrative centres on a bewildered creature that is expelled into a hostile environment by its terrified creator. This figure, haunted by its own existence, must navigate an unforgiving world after being rejected. The storyline follows the creature’s isolation and the stark contrast between its creator’s fear and the surrounding danger, forming the core of the classic horror premise. The creator, overwhelmed by fear, abandons the being, leaving it to confront the bleak surroundings alone. As a classic horror tale, the production relies on the stark dynamics between creator and creation, highlighting themes of abandonment and survival. The National Theatre Live format ensures that the intensity of the performance is retained, allowing viewers to experience the tension and atmosphere that define this iconic story. The programme thus offers a faithful rendition of the well‑known Frankenstein narrative within a cinematic presentation. The story’s enduring appeal lies in its depiction of a creature confronting alienation, a hallmark of the Frankenstein myth.