National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue poster

Movie profile

National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue

7.5/ 1020242h 45m

DramaComedy

Returning to cinemas in 2027. In 1964, Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under Sir John Gielgud’s exacting direction. But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.

Directed by Sam Mendes

Visual gallery

Behind the frames

4 stills

National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue still 1

National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue still 2

National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue still 3

National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue still 4

The cast

Faces behind the story

Johnny Flynn

Johnny Flynn

Richard Burton

Mark Gatiss

Mark Gatiss

Sir John Gielgud

Tuppence Middleton

Tuppence Middleton

Elizabeth Taylor

Aysha Kala

Aysha Kala

Assistant to Sir John Gielgud

Luke Norris

Luke Norris

William Redfield

Allan Corduner

Allan Corduner

Hume Cronyn

Ryan Ellsworth

Ryan Ellsworth

George Voskovec

Elena Delia

Elena Delia

Jessica Levy