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National Theatre Live: Retrograde poster
10.0 / 10(1 votes)IMDb20251h 30mUnited Kingdom

National Theatre Live: Retrograde

“Sidney Poitier: Trailblazer, Activist, Icon.”

Synopsis

Hollywood's so-called Golden Age. Ten years before becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar, a young Sidney Poitier arrives to sign a life-changing contract that could make him a star. But there's a catch. As he becomes entangled in events larger than he imagined, Sidney is forced to make an impossible choice – one that will reshape his future, the Civil Rights Movement, and the soul of a nation. From award-winning writer Ryan Calais Cameron (For Black Boys...), exploring integrity, betrayal, and the personal cost of success, Retrograde asks what would you sacrifice to achieve your dream? Backed by double Oscar and BAFTA nominee Colman Domingo as producer,  Amit Sharma's 'perfectly pitched production' (Independent) features Ivanno Jeremiah (Constellations), Stanley Townsend (Kaos), and Oliver Johnstone (Antigone).

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

Retrograde | Teaser Trailer | National Theatre at HomeOfficial

Type: Teaser • Published 2025-07-01

Release History & Theatrical Window

Digital Streaming Debut

September 9, 2025

VOD & Digital Platforms

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Amit Sharma
Screenplay & Story
Ryan Calais Cameron
Original Title
National Theatre Live: Retrograde
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 30m
Production Studios
National Theatre

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Amit Sharma

Screenplay & Story

Ryan Calais Cameron

Producers

Colman Domingo, Nica Burns

Department Leadership Roster

Ryan Calais Cameron

Ryan Calais Cameron

Writer

Amit Sharma

Director

Frankie Bradshaw

Costume Design

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo

Producer

Nica Burns

Producer

Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: Retrograde.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring National Theatre Live: Retrograde.

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: Retrograde

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is National Theatre Live: Retrograde about?

Hollywood's so-called Golden Age. Ten years before becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar, a young Sidney Poitier arrives to sign a life-changing contract that could make him a star. But there's a catch. As he becomes entangled in events larger than he imagined, Sidney is forced to make an impossible choice – one that will reshape his future, the Civil Rights Movement, and the soul of a nation. From award-winning writer Ryan Calais Cameron (For Black Boys...), exploring integrity, betrayal, and the personal cost of success, Retrograde asks what would you sacrifice to achieve your dream? Backed by double Oscar and BAFTA nominee Colman Domingo as producer,  Amit Sharma's 'perfectly pitched production' (Independent) features Ivanno Jeremiah (Constellations), Stanley Townsend (Kaos), and Oliver Johnstone (Antigone).

Who directed National Theatre Live: Retrograde?

National Theatre Live: Retrograde was directed by Amit Sharma.

Who stars in National Theatre Live: Retrograde?

The principal cast of National Theatre Live: Retrograde includes Ivanno Jeremiah, Stanley Townsend, Oliver Johnstone.

When was National Theatre Live: Retrograde released and how long is it?

National Theatre Live: Retrograde was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 1h 30m.