National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue

Our Event Cinema programme brings performances from world-class ballets, theatre, comedy and more to The Chamber Cinema. These shows are live-streamed straight into the venue or are pre-recorded for audiences to enjoy on the big screen. 

The Motive and the Cue
by Jack Thorne
directed by Sam Mendes

The fierce and funny five-star play returns to the big screen. 

Sam Mendes (The Lehman Trilogy) directs Mark Gatiss in an Olivier Award-winning performance as John Gielgud. 1964: Richard Burton (Johnny Flynn), newly married to Elizabeth Taylor (Tuppence Middleton), is set to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under Gielgud’s exacting direction. But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.

From multi-award-winning writer Jack Thorne (Adolescence), this acclaimed production was
filmed live during its sold-out London run in 2023.