

National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Motive and the Cue | Official Trailer | Noël Coward TheatreOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2023-10-04
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Johnny Flynn
Richard Burton
Mark Gatiss
Sir John Gielgud
Tuppence Middleton
Elizabeth Taylor
Aysha Kala
Assistant to Sir John Gielgud
Luke Norris
William Redfield
Allan Corduner
Hume Cronyn
Ryan Ellsworth
George Voskovec
Elena Delia
Jessica Levy
Huw Parmenter
Clement Fowler
Laurence Ubong Williams
Hugh McHaffie
Michael Walters
Mark Extance
Mick Burrows
Dan Krikler
Dillon Evans
Shaun McKee
Robert Milli
Stephanie Siadatan
Susannah Mason
Adam Sina
Frederick Young
David Tarkenter
Alfred Drake
Kate Tydman
Christine Cooper
Release History & Theatrical Window
March 21, 2024
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Sam Mendes
- Screenplay & Story
- Jack Thorne
- Original Score
- Benjamin Kwasi Burrell
- Original Title
- National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 45m
- Production Studios
- National Theatre, Neal Street Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Sam Mendes
Jack Thorne
Benjamin Kwasi Burrell
Pippa Harris, Caro Newling
Department Leadership Roster
Sam Mendes
Director
Jack Thorne
Writer
Pippa Harris
Producer
Caro Newling
Producer
Katrina Lindsay
Costume Design
Benjamin Kwasi Burrell
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue.
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.
Sam Mendes Portfolio - Movies
Curated master portfolio of movies directed by Sam Mendes Portfolio - Movies. Updated frequently. Last updated September 26, 2026.
Added, Vol. 4
601–800.
National Theatre
2024-1JAN2026 Upcoming Movies (USA)
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Frequently Asked Questions About National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue about?
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.
Who directed National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue?
National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue was directed by Sam Mendes.
Who stars in National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue?
The principal cast of National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue includes Johnny Flynn, Mark Gatiss, Tuppence Middleton, Aysha Kala, Luke Norris.
When was National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue released and how long is it?
National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue was released in 2024 with a total runtime of 2h 45m.
Who composed the musical score for National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue?
The original motion picture soundtrack for National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue was composed by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell.
What is the age rating and content advisory for National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue?
National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue holds official age classifications: GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.).



















