

National Theatre Live: After Life
“If you could spend eternity with just one precious memory, what would it be?”
Synopsis
A group of strangers grapple with this impossible question as they find themselves in a bureaucratic waiting room between life and death. Encouraged by enigmatic officials, they must sift through their past lives to choose their forever. Adapted from Hirokazu Kore-eda's award-winning film, After Life is a surreal and powerfully human look at the way we view our lives, and a haunting meditation on what it is to live – and to die.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
After Life Post-Show Talk with the Creative Team | National TheatreOfficial
Type: Behind the Scenes • Published 2021-07-01
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Olatunji Ayofe
Obafemi Taylor
Nino Furuhata
Young Ichiro Watanabe & Henry Thompson
Danielle Henry
One
Madeline Holliday
Jill Smart & Young Beatrice
Togo Igawa
Ichiro Watanabe
Anoushka Lucas
Katie Watanabe
Kevin McMonagle
Five
Jack James Ryan
Actor Harold & Graham Jenkins
Simon Startin
Three
Luke Thallon
Two
June Watson
Beatrice Killick
Millicent Wong
Four
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jeremy Herrin
- Screenplay & Story
- Jack Thorne, Hirokazu Kore-eda
- Original Score
- Orlando Weeks, Sam Hudson-Scott
- Original Title
- National Theatre Live: After Life
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 34m
- Production Studios
- National Theatre
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jeremy Herrin
Jack Thorne, Hirokazu Kore-eda
Orlando Weeks, Sam Hudson-Scott
Department Leadership Roster
Jeremy Herrin
Director
Jack Thorne
Writer
Hirokazu Kore-eda
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: After Life.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring National Theatre Live: After Life.
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: After Life
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is National Theatre Live: After Life about?
A group of strangers grapple with this impossible question as they find themselves in a bureaucratic waiting room between life and death. Encouraged by enigmatic officials, they must sift through their past lives to choose their forever. Adapted from Hirokazu Kore-eda's award-winning film, After Life is a surreal and powerfully human look at the way we view our lives, and a haunting meditation on what it is to live – and to die.
Who directed National Theatre Live: After Life?
National Theatre Live: After Life was directed by Jeremy Herrin.
Who stars in National Theatre Live: After Life?
The principal cast of National Theatre Live: After Life includes Olatunji Ayofe, Nino Furuhata, Danielle Henry, Madeline Holliday, Togo Igawa.
When was National Theatre Live: After Life released and how long is it?
National Theatre Live: After Life was released in 2021 with a total runtime of 1h 34m.
Who composed the musical score for National Theatre Live: After Life?
The original motion picture soundtrack for National Theatre Live: After Life was composed by Orlando Weeks, Sam Hudson-Scott.



















