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.

what to expect

With state-of-the-art filming techniques, tailored to every play, National Theatre Live brings you each performance as it happens, in all its glory. From close-ups that capture every flicker of emotion, to sweeping wide shots of the stage.

You’ll have the best seats in the house.