The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) brings together two well-loved plays that have been revived and adapted to different art forms through the ages, provocative comedy Present Laughter and gothic drama Frankenstein, live from the National Theatre in London to the Philippine big screen this March.
Present Laughter makes its Philippine cinema debut on March 25, 6:00 p.m., at the Ayala Malls Cinemas in Glorietta 4, Makati City, while Frankenstein returns with special screenings at Vertis North in Quezon City and at the Central Bloc in Cebu, also on the same date and time.
A modern reflection on fame, desire, and loneliness
Captured live from The Old Vic in London, Noël Coward’s 1939 comedy Present Laughter is given new life by award-winning theatre, opera, and film director Matthew Warchus. The title is drawn from a song in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night that inspires carpe diem (“present mirth hath present laughter”).
In this revelatory refresh of Coward’s classic comedy, actor Andrew Scott (from Vanya and Fleabag) returns to the stage as Garry Essendine whose colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control as he prepares to embark on an overseas tour. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.
Best known for his highly polished comedies of manners, playwright Coward describes Present Laughter as “a very light comedy…written with the sensible object of providing me with a bravura part.”
Due to the outbreak of the Second World War interrupting rehearsals, Present Laughter was not produced until 1942. Coward himself starred as Garry during the original run and later reprised the role in the first British revival, and later, in the United States and Paris.
A Gothic horror of playing god
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 is determined 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 in this gripping Gothic classic by English novelist Mary Shelley.
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the 1818 iconic novel, Frankenstein was captured live on stage in 2011, directed by Academy Award®-winner Danny Boyle, the visionary behind Trainspotting, 127 Hours, 28 Days Later, and the 2009 Academy Award-winning Best Picture Slumdog Millionaire, among others.
The production, shot with state-of-the-art filming techniques, features actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, alternating between the roles of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature.
One of the world’s most acclaimed and popular Hollywood actors, Cumberbatch is known for his roles as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Universe franchise films and as Sherlock Holmes. Miller is recognized for his performances in Elementary, Trainspotting, and Hackers.
For the March 25 screening, Miller will play the Creature, while Cumberbatch will take on the role of Frankenstein.
Delighting Filipino audiences with world-class stage plays
Now on its second season, the CCP National Theatre Live is a groundbreaking initiative of the Cultural Center of the Philippines to showcase the best of international theater. By bringing renowned productions from the National Theatre in London directly to the Philippine big screen, CCP aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the arts, particularly the performing arts, and provide a dynamic and immersive theater experience to those who may not have the opportunity to see these performances live.
Through this program, CCP underscores its commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of the Philippines, offering a unique platform for global artistry while connecting it with local audiences.
In partnership with National Theatre Live, and Ayala Malls Cinemas, the CCP NTL’s second season continues until May 27, 2025.
First launched in June 2009, UK’s National Theatre Live has broadcast the best of British theatre live from the London stage to cinemas across the United Kingdom, around the world, and now in the Philippines. Digitally filmed in High-Definition quality, NTL films play in front of live theater audiences but optimized for the big screen and made accessible to theater fans across the globe.
Regular ticket prices are PHP300 in Makati and Cebu, and PHP350 in Vertis North, with special ticket price for students at PHP150. Visit the venue’s ticket booth or book them online via www.sureseats.com to purchase tickets.
To get the latest updates on CCP National Theatre Live and other events, follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for more news.
