
National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts
Synopsis
When a young mother speaks out against the Taliban, she and her husband are forced to flee their home and country with their three sons. Embarking on a long and terrifying journey across Russia and through Europe, they seek final refuge in the UK. But, as their eldest son’s life-threatening heart condition worsens and requires urgent surgery, their escape soon becomes a race against time. Amit Sharma directs this widely acclaimed stage version of The Boy with Two Hearts (BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week). Based on extraordinary real-life experiences, it is a powerful story of hope, courage, and humanity – and a heartfelt tribute to the NHS.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
How We Made It | Creative Choices in The Boy with Two Hearts | National TheatreOfficial
Type: Featurette • Published 2023-03-08
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Amit Sharma
- Screenplay & Story
- Phil Porter
- Original Title
- National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 54m
- Production Studios
- Wales Millennium Centre, National Theatre
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Amit Sharma
Phil Porter, Hamed Amiri
Pádraig Cusack
Department Leadership Roster
Amit Sharma
Director
Phil Porter
Screenplay
Pádraig Cusack
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts.
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.
National Theatre
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Frequently Asked Questions About National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts about?
When a young mother speaks out against the Taliban, she and her husband are forced to flee their home and country with their three sons. Embarking on a long and terrifying journey across Russia and through Europe, they seek final refuge in the UK. But, as their eldest son’s life-threatening heart condition worsens and requires urgent surgery, their escape soon becomes a race against time. Amit Sharma directs this widely acclaimed stage version of The Boy with Two Hearts (BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week). Based on extraordinary real-life experiences, it is a powerful story of hope, courage, and humanity – and a heartfelt tribute to the NHS.
Who directed National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts?
National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts was directed by Amit Sharma.
Who stars in National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts?
The principal cast of National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts includes Houda Echouafni, Dana Haqjoo, Farshid Rokey, Ahmad Sakhi, Elaha Soroor.
When was National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts released and how long is it?
National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts was released in 2021 with a total runtime of 1h 54m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts?
National Theatre Live: The Boy With Two Hearts holds official age classifications: GB: PG (Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.).




















