Play Review: National Theatre Live Film of Frankenstein

It may have slipped your attention but for one night only (of the whole year),tonight, a film of the National Theatre's 2011 performance of Frankenstein finally featured at cinemas across the UK. Featuring the acclaimed actors, Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, both actors demonstrate a switch in roles as either Frankenstein or the creature. In tonight's performance I was witness to Benedict's interpretation of the physically inept 'creature', or monster as most people cried out.

It's extraordinary how well Benedict brought this character to life, simply through how he moved and spoke. For at least 10 minutes I was witness to what can only be described as a scene mimicking birth where Benedict was seen crawling from a womb-like screen and left alone to deal with becoming aware of his body and how it was created to move and function. Like a child making it's way into the world, I felt I was watching him grow into something incredible and it was beautiful to see. But you also saw his innocence and fragility and how easily he was affected by what surrounded him as well as how people taught him. I really admired how the company behind this production had structured this play and showed this slow development of the creature's character. I saw his elation at the new world and the surprise to feel new sensations like rain, grass and all the simple things we take for granted. I felt as if I was watching a child exploring a new world. But then I saw how society treated him: with fear, disgust and contempt. People hurt him and for no good reason. He was innocent, a good 'man'. This built pathos and I'll admit I felt close to tears watching this profoundly dramatic performance.

Frankenstein's monster, as we know, was a monster to the characters in the novel. He appeared like one, was treated like one and became one. The theatre production really highlighted the fact it wasn't the creature who was the real monster, it was society; society who had corrupted this character. It was man's world who destroyed his goodness and shaped the evil inside of him. He saw man and learnt from what was before him, believing that's what it meant to be a man. Never had I seen an adaptation of Frankenstein that gave the creature a voice! Never have I seen a production put across Shelley's deep and integral message about society. It almost seems obvious now that she would think of reflecting society through how the creature was treated, considering she was an impressionable young woman who would have had strong beliefs. After all, she lived in a time where corruption hid in the darkest of places, swimming in the streets of England. Being just a year older than I am, she was also just as likely to form a strong opinion against it.

Although good reviews need criticisms to prove it effective I really can't fault this. It was incredible re-enactment of the classic gothic novel which will remain one of my favourite plays for a long time! I think it's also important to mention that for an actor to be able to successfully play a character in such a convincing way as to grab the attention of a theatre full of people, with simply the smallest inclination of their head or averted gaze of their eyes, you know you have a great actor under your hands. It's a real test of talent and Benedict definitely proved his worth!

http://vimeo.com/67405992

Gig Review: Ed Sheeran

 

You simply can't underestimate nor belittle the talent compressed into one venue when you are witness to one of the most profound and electrifying artists smashing the charts right now. That artist is Ed Sheeran. Last Sunday I camped out since 4am (dedication at its best) to see Ed at his second show in Birmingham (NEC). Ultimately the queuing is a bore, particularly when the doors are about to open and you're clustered within a group of people who are more than happy to push you out of the way just to get to the front first. Fear not, this was only the entrance to the venue, not the actual room. When it came to getting into the arena, security had us walk in a single line before we could disperse to whatever point in the line we desired most. Organised and systematic, the structure was well thought-out.

First act up was Jamie Lawson. Significantly serene, his voice had me lulled into wonder as he called out songs of his own and began to make a connection with the audience. Shortly followed by this was Saint Raymond-a spark in the bonfire. I had already heard of Raymond's work before the gig and just like many acoustic songs, his music has solid, steady beats and a rhythmic tune which is simply enjoyable to listen to. However at the concert Raymond completely smashed this and crashed out lucid tunes with erratic beats. Not only was Raymond's passion evident through his singing but also in his body language. There is nothing more enthralling than being able to see an artist stand up on stage, crunching their eyes in concentration and embracing their guitar whilst pumping their body to sound of their music playing out through the speakers. Adrenaline coursed through my veins and it was a good job, because Ed was next,

When Ed arose on stage, the arena instantly became one. Animated and enthralled Ed's mere presence caused hands to rise in unison as he cast a downwards stroke on his guitar and strummed his way to the song 'I'm A Mess'. One of the most effective things about an Ed concert that you need to know, and if you have never been to one of his concerts, something you ought to know, is that Ed doesn't just recite his songs but he transforms them, adding ad libs here and there and adding pulse to the beats much like a DJ does when he/she edits a song. This show was no different. You can really feel him put his heart and soul into the music, making every show unique. Even with slow songs such as 'Bloodstream' Ed had the chorus sounding more like a club classic than a soothing tune. With arms raised, ready for them to bounce over our heads, a sense of unity and love for the music had me feeling that the arena was bursting with life and just like family, we shared a bond, simply because of how profound an effect this one man had on us all.

It wasn't just the music that had me screaming until my voice gave way. Digital graphics, and moving images were projected onto a series of screens behind Ed as he sang. Some were more artsy and interesting than others whilst some graphics had instant links to the songs. For example, when 'I See Fire' was played, footage of the mighty Smaug from The Hobbit was presented. Being a geek and insane fan of Tolkein's work there was hardly a moment for me to be rendered silent as already the outcries and moans of joy took over.

At the end of it all, this was a prodigiously phenomenal experience that I definitely recommend any one going to see. Even if you only feel an ambivalence towards Ed or you think his music is fairly okay, there is no doubt in my mind that venturing out to a concert will leave you with a higher appreciation for this singer who once struggled for audience appeal but is now selling out arenas across the world-a house-hold name with the potential to go beyond our expectations and more.

Friday 3rd October! Lewis Watson Gig

Hello! So on Friday, as it says in the title, I went to see Lewis Watson at the institute in Birmingham. I've made a video where I talk about it for a bit, mentioning the amazing support acts, Andreas Moe and Amber Run. I filmed it on Saturday so when I say the gig was yesterday I mean Friday. Plus I apologize for some very incoherent and perplexing sentences, trust me i'm just about getting used to talking to a camera :P Also i'm aware that most of the time i'm talking about why I love music so although the video does include me talking about the gig it did allow me to speak about how the gig has helped show me that I am passionate about music and the idea of a career working in music.

Ok, so this video may bore you, in which case i'm sorry but if you happen to listen for a little bit I would be more than grateful! :D