NT Live - The Motive and the Cue

The electrifying play directed by Sam Mendes where Richard Burton and John Gielgud’s infamous Hamlet rehearsals play out on the big screen. The Motive and the Cue by Jack Thorne directed by Sam Mendes Filmed live from the National Theatre The electrifying play directed by Sam Mendes returns as Richard Burton and John Gielgud’s infamous Hamlet rehearsals play out on the big screen. Why would the most famous movie star in the world choose to do a play which everyone already knows? And what lures us back to the same plays, year after year? This fierce and funny play by award-winning writer Jack Thorne offers a glimpse into the politics of a rehearsal room and the relationship between art and celebrity. Sam Mendes (The LehmanTrilogy) 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.