'Frankenstein' shows at Palace Cineplex

NT Live takes the best theatrical productions and broadcasts them in cinemas, allowing a far wider audience to see these ground-breaking productions. And Frankenstein remains one of the greats.

Electrifying, sensational and compelling are buzz words from audiences and critics who have enjoyed command performances of Frankenstein. This Sunday, Jamaican theatregoers and patrons of the arts will be able to see an encore performance of Frankenstein, described by the Huffington Post as the jewel in the crown of the National Theatre's NT Live initiative, at the Palace Cineplex, Liguanea, St Andrew.

Academy Award winner Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting) directs a stellar cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch (12 Years a Slave, The Hobbit, Star Trek: Into Darkness, BBC's Sherlock) and Jonny Lee Miller (Dark Shadows, Dexter, Trainspotting, CBS's Elementary) alternating roles as Victor Frankenstein and his creation.

Set in 1818, the first scene opens when a large bell, hanging over the stalls, is rung. There is the sound of a heartbeat. The Creature is 'born' into the world, naked.

He is confused and his movements are erratic as he learns to try and move and talk. Victor Frankenstein is appalled by his creation. He commands the creature to stay away from him and throws a cloak over him. The Creature threatens him and Victor runs away.

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein's bewildered creature meets with cruelty wherever he goes. Increasingly desperate and vengeful, The Creature determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are embedded in this thrilling and deeply disturbing classic Gothic tale.

National Theatre encore performances will run until June at the Palace Cineplex. The schedule is Coriolanus (Sunday, April 27), War Horse (Sunday, May 11) and King Lear (Sunday, June 8). All shows start at 11:30 a.m.

Tickets are on sale at the box office of the Palace Cineplex and via the web at www.palaceamusement.com, with a Palace Card.