‘Frankenstein,’ ‘Fleabag’ headline CCP National Theater Live this February

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OFNATIONAL THEATER LIVE

The CCP National Theater Live continues its first season with the thrilling and deeply disturbing classic tale Frankenstein gracing the Ayala Malls Cinema this 27 February at Greenbelt 3’s Cinema 1. 

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the increasingly desperate and vengeful Creature determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

Scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil, are embedded within this gripping and deeply disturbing classic Gothic tale written by English novelist Mary Shelley. The CCP NTL’s featured play celebrates the 200th anniversary of the 1818 iconic novel.

Captured live on stage in 2011, the production features Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, alternating between the roles of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. One of the world’s most acclaimed and popular actors, Cumberbatch is known for his roles as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Universe franchise films, and as Sherlock Holmes. Miller stars in various films such as Elementary, Trainspotting and Hackers

The production was directed by Academy Award-winner Danny Boyle, the director behind Trainspotting, 127 Hours and 28 Days Later, as well as the 2009 Academy Awards’ Best Picture Slumdog Millionaire, among others.

Those who missed the Philippine cinema premiere of Fleabag will get a chance to experience the hilarious, award-winning, original one-woman play, also screening on 27 February at 9 p.m. 

Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and directed by Vicky Jones, Fleabag may seem oversexed, emotionally unfiltered and self-obsessed, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With family and friendships under strain and a guinea pig café struggling to keep afloat, the titular character suddenly finds herself with nothing to lose. 

In just 67 minutes, audiences can expect a rip-roaring look at some sort of woman living her sort of life.

The hilarious, award-winning play that inspired the BBC’s hit TV series Fleabag, was filmed live on stage in London’s West End in 2019, presented by DryWrite, Soho Theatre and Annapurna Theatre.