Cinema viewers at Cromer can watch Sherlock Holmes TV actor Benedict Cumberbatch in two contrasting stage roles - as Dr Frankenstein and his monster.

Eastern Daily Press: Benedict Cumberbatch as the monster in the National Theatre production being beamed to Cromer cinema.Benedict Cumberbatch as the monster in the National Theatre production being beamed to Cromer cinema. (Image: Archant)

A National Theatre production of the horror story - part of the venue's 50th anniverary celebrations - sees the acclaimed actor swapping roles.

The Cromer Movieplex's parent group Merlin Cinemas is streaming a range of drama, ballet and opera events - some live, some recorded - to rural screens, enabling audiences to see top notch productions from leading companies.

Cumberbatch plays the monster in a screening on Thursday October 31 at 7pm. Two weeks later on November 14 he swaps with Jonny Lee Miller, to play Victor Frankenstein.

Also coming up include: Sunday October 20 - live Spartacus, Bolshoi Ballet, 6pm

Tuesday October 22 - Hamlet, National Theatre, 7pm

Thursday October 24 - Merrily We Roll Along, West End Theatre, 7pm

Wednesday November 13 - live Richard II, Royal Shakespeare Company, 7pm

Sunday November 17 - Le Corsaire, Bolshoi, 7pm

Monday December 2 - Don Pasquale premiere, Opera Australia, 7.40pm

Thursday December 12 - live Nutcracker, Royal Opera House, 7.15

Wednesday December 18 - live Parsifal, Royal Opera House, 4.45

Sunday December 22 - Sleeping Beauty , Bolshoi, 7pm

Movieplex manager Dan Taylor said the new cultural events were proving popular, including with local students studying Shakespeare, and people who were not regular cinemagoers.

?Call 01263 510151 or visit www.merlincinemas,co.uk for more