Television stars collaborate with Manawatu community

Television stars collaborate with Manawatu community on Centrepoint’s biggest show yet.

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 friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

This riveting production will be the biggest of Centrepoint’s 41-year history, featuring two of New Zealand’s most notable television stars, and over twenty budding actors from the Manawatu community. Directed by our Artistic Director, Jeff Kingsford-Brown (Golf: A Love Story, The Mercy Clause), Frankenstein will see Chris Tempest (Shortland Street) as Dr. Victor Frankenstein pitted against Karlos Drinkwater (Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Shortland Street) as the infamous creature.

Drinkwater says it’s the themes Frankenstein touches on that drew him to the role of Frankenstein’s creation. Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are all embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing classic gothic tale. “The way we relay these ideas to the audience is, for me, the interesting part. Despite it being a classic story, today’s technology tinkering with cloning and artificial insemination, even artificial intelligence, keeps this version relevant to a contemporary audience.”

National Theatre’s production of the play, which starred Benedict Cumberbatch from TV’s Sherlock, was a sell-out hit in 2011, and National Theatre Live’s broadcast has become an international sensation, experienced by almost half a million people in cinemas around the world. Tempest can understand why the production has become so popular. “This script is dark yet funny, and carries with it big characters with strong motives and dangerous consequences. When I read it, it was very visceral - it all played out so clearly in my head. It’s a fantastic play.”

Now, Manawatu gets to experience the horrific tale up close and personal at its New Zealand premiere. Grab a group of friends, take advantage of our ‘dinner + show’ deal or pop in early and grab a drink at the bar - make a night of it! Come witness the horror of Frankenstein as you’ve never seen it before.

“Slowly I learnt the ways of humans: how to ruin, how to hate, how to debase, how to humiliate. And at the feet of my master I learnt the highest of human skills, the skill no other creature owns: I finally learnt how to lie.”

Dates 7 August - 29 August 2015
Preview Friday 7 August, 8pm
Opening night Saturday 8 August, 8pm
$20 Tuesday Tuesday 11 August, 6.30pm Tickets available from 10 August, 9am.
Times Wednesday 6.30pm / Thursday to Saturday 8pm / Sunday 5pm
Tickets Adult $38 / Senior $30 / Student $18
Venue Centrepoint Theatre, 280 Church Street, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Bookings 06 354 5740 or centrepoint.co.nz

ENDS

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