Tickets sold out faster then you could imagine when word got out that Oscar winner Danny Boyle, was returning to his theatrical roots, by bringing to life the legendry Frankenstein. The National Theatre, known for its show stopping productions like Hamlet and Fela!, welcomed to its pool of success a vision of Frankenstein that will leave audiences speechless.

In order to bring the tale of Frankenstein and his Creature to life, Boyle has cast two of Britain’s prized gems, long time friend Jonny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch. But here’s the twist, Miller and Cumberbatch are set to alternate the roles of Victor Frankenstein and his Creature, for each performance. This simple change is used to emphasises the doppelganger qualities that both Frankenstein and his Creature share and can not escape. It is in this production that Cumberbatch takes the reins of the Creature, finally delivering to audiences the other side of the Frankenstein novel that didn’t make it to the page.

The play fast forwards past all of Robert Walton’s letters, past all of Frankenstein’s background, and begins front and centre with the birth of the Creature. Now, unlike the movies where the Creature is born on a table and Frankenstein screams “it’s alive“, Boyle has highlighted this idea of artificial birth by having the Creature emerge from an ovular looking set piece. Naked and alone Cumberbatch, barley recognisable with staples across his head, flops to the floor like a fish out of water. Fans will see the Creature like they have never seen it before, as Cumberbatch delivers an outstanding performance as he struggles like a toddler taking his first steps and speaking its first words. Audiences and fans of the book are in for an incredible treat, as writer Nick Dear has given us an insight into the Creature’s cruel experience with the harshness of the world. Dear has brought the Creature centre stage, as he shows the pitiful deterioration of a man born innocent and corrupted by society.

Cumberbatch’s Creature would be nothing without the intense performance of Johnny Lee Miller as the detached Victor Frankenstein. Miller’s lines teem with self loathing as he circles his creature, roaring “I am your master you should show respect”, delivering seamlessly the true vision of Mary Shelley’s arrogant Frankenstein. Though it is a shame we don’t see as much from Miller, when he does appear, he is able to convey the visible anguish of a man driven to destruction by pride to perfection. Also credit is due to Jeanette Nelson, who did the Company’s Voice Work, because Miller’s voice is so raw it will send shivers up your spine when he screams in anger.To be honest both play these characters to a tee, complimenting each other perfectly, that its hard to imagine what the next performance will bring.

Other familiar talents to complete the Frankenstein crew include; Naomie Harris (last seen in Boyle’s 28 Days Later) who takes on the sympathetic role of Frankenstein’s fiancé Elizabeth, and Underworld who lend their genius with a haunting score (you might remember their track ‘Born Slippy’ from Trainspotting).

Danny Boyle is well known for delivering raw visual masterpieces in films like Slumdog Millionaire, and audiences will be happy to learn that he does not disappoint in Frankenstein. It’s a complete paradox in itself, Boyle's Frankenstein is beautiful yet disturbing, violent yet sentimental, a story that teeters on the edges of good and evil. This is a play well worth seeing, a play that will hit you like an electric shock and will leave you speechless.