Underworld are once again collaborating with Danny Boyle, teaming up with the director for his stage adaptation of Frankenstein. The National Theatre production will feature a "soundscore" by dance duo Karl Hyde and Rick Smith, who are bringing the monster to life with crackling electronics and pounding bass.
Boyle and Underworld have a history of collaboration. In 1996, the director's use of Born Slippy .NUXX in Trainspotting catapulted the dance act to stardom. Hyde and Smith later co-wrote the score to Sunshine, Boyle's 2007 science-fiction film.
Frankenstein is already in rehearsals in London and will open next year. With an original script by Nick Dear, actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller are to alternate in the roles of Victor Frankenstein and his creature.
Hyde hinted at his involvement with the play in a series of blogposts over the past couple of weeks. "Great day at theatre," he wrote. "People, noises, music, spaces, inspiration unlikely direction. Shepherd's pie, meat with a hat, Hamlet in the dark. Walking alone with the river, taking air with luminous boats. People like tourist crows, don't notice me. Everyone drawn, excited to the light. Bars full, bell rings. They go in, we come out." At the theatre, he explained later, "the dancefloor is full of seats".
Frankenstein is to open on 5 February 2011. Tickets are on sale now.
