
National Theatre Live: The Seagull
“The Chichester Festival Theatre production by Anton Chekhov, in a new version by David Hare”
Synopsis
On a summer's day in a makeshift theatre by a lake, Konstantin's cutting-edge new play is performed, changing the lives of everyone involved forever. Chekhov's masterly meditation on how the old takes revenge on the young is both comic and tragic, and marks the birth of the modern stage. Adapted by David Hare whose stage plays include Skylight, Pravada, and screenplays include The Hours and The Reader, directed by Jonathan Kent (Gypsy, Private Lives).
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jonathan Kent
- Screenplay & Story
- David Hare, Anton Chekhov
- Original Score
- Jonathan Dove
- Original Title
- National Theatre Live: The Seagull
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Production Studios
- National Theatre
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jonathan Kent
David Hare, Anton Chekhov
Jonathan Dove
Department Leadership Roster
Jonathan Kent
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: The Seagull.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring National Theatre Live: The Seagull.
National Theatre Live
All productions released by National Theatre Live, UK – either done directly by the Royal National Theatre or other UK venues/producers. [**NationalTheatre.org.uk**](https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk) / [**NTLive.com**](https://www.ntlive.com) / [**NTatHome.com**](https://www.ntathome.com) (for its US equivalent, see [**BroadwayHD**](https://www.tmdb.org/company/103196-broadwayhd) and site [**BroadwayHD.com**](https://www.broadwayhd.com).) Some productions were filmed _solely_ for their paid streaming channel "National Theatre at Home", and were branded without the "National Theatre Live" posters which those that also screened in cinemas typically got posters with. (plus: There was a 2009 BBC TV series entry titled "National Theatre Live" with the first five filmed productions that featured additional commentary, at #280519, but this was deleted by a mod!) ______________________________________________________________________ • **2024.05.09.Thu: Plays 1-100** - [**nationaltheatre.org.uk/news/national-theatre-live-100-plays-in-cinemas-1-25**](https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/news/national-theatre-live-100-plays-in-cinemas-1-25) _"National Theatre Live broadcast its 100th title, Nye, live from the Olivier stage. Now buckle up as we’re going to take you on a journey through all 100 NT Lives (you heard that right). From our first to our most recent, join us to recount all the incredible plays that have made it from the stage to the screen – with some fun facts thrown in for good measure!"_ ______________________________________________________________________ **What is National Theatre Live (NTL) & National Theatre at Home (NTaH)?** ([**Wikipedia**](https://w.wiki/9grq)) National Theatre Live is an initiative from the National Theatre (formerly "Royal National Theatre") in London, who record their own plays (and also may do/did some live broadcasts to cinemas too) and other non-National Theatre productions from selected indie/West-End theatre plays in London and beyond in the UK (eg. Chichester, et al.). Unless it's a live cinema viewing, typically once the live theatre run has ended these are then shown in cinemas. NTL cinema audiences are able to view play recordings at cinema screenings in the UK and globally (eg. Australia, Taiwan, et al.), with cinema releases either concurrently (or after an initial cinema release) also released on their paid streaming service National Theatre at Home. NTaH launched in 2020 offering access to over 100 productions, with new titles added monthly. All titles include captions, over 90% available with Audio Description, and a selection available in British Sign Language (BSL). Reaching theatre audiences globally, streaming to over 184 countries, a majority of audiences having never visited the National Theatre's South Bank home, and is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. 2026 research showed 99% of NTaH's audiences are outside London, with over 60% saying filmed theatre options support wider discoverability and increased overall theatre experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions About National Theatre Live: The Seagull
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is National Theatre Live: The Seagull about?
On a summer's day in a makeshift theatre by a lake, Konstantin's cutting-edge new play is performed, changing the lives of everyone involved forever. Chekhov's masterly meditation on how the old takes revenge on the young is both comic and tragic, and marks the birth of the modern stage. Adapted by David Hare whose stage plays include Skylight, Pravada, and screenplays include The Hours and The Reader, directed by Jonathan Kent (Gypsy, Private Lives).
Who directed National Theatre Live: The Seagull?
National Theatre Live: The Seagull was directed by Jonathan Kent.
Who stars in National Theatre Live: The Seagull?
The principal cast of National Theatre Live: The Seagull includes Pip Carter, Anna Chancellor, Mark Donald, Peter Egan, Debra Gillett.
When was National Theatre Live: The Seagull released and how long is it?
National Theatre Live: The Seagull was released in 2016 with a total runtime of 2h 30m.
Who composed the musical score for National Theatre Live: The Seagull?
The original motion picture soundtrack for National Theatre Live: The Seagull was composed by Jonathan Dove.




















