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National Theatre Live: The Brightening Air poster
IMDb20252h 11m

National Theatre Live: The Brightening Air

“How much of living is really just forgetting?”

Synopsis

The family home is more than merely a building. It can be a destination of pilgrimage, an inherited investment, a repository of memory or even magic. And, for brother and sister Stephen and Billie, home is all they have. Mucking along in their decaying farmhouse, they're doing just fine. That is, until the arrival of an ex-clergyman uncle with an unscrupulous plan, a sister-in-law seeking a miracle, and a prodigal brother hell-bent on trouble.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

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

The Brightening Air | Official Trailer | National Theatre at HomeOfficial

Type: Trailer • Published 2025-10-14

Release History & Theatrical Window

Digital Streaming Debut

October 14, 2025

VOD & Digital Platforms

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Conor McPherson
Screenplay & Story
Conor McPherson
Original Title
National Theatre Live: The Brightening Air
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
2h 11m

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Conor McPherson

Screenplay & Story

Conor McPherson

Department Leadership Roster

Conor McPherson

Conor McPherson

Director

Conor McPherson

Conor McPherson

Writer

Rae Smith

Costume Design

Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: The Brightening Air.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring National Theatre Live: The Brightening Air.

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 Brightening Air

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

What is National Theatre Live: The Brightening Air about?

The family home is more than merely a building. It can be a destination of pilgrimage, an inherited investment, a repository of memory or even magic. And, for brother and sister Stephen and Billie, home is all they have. Mucking along in their decaying farmhouse, they're doing just fine. That is, until the arrival of an ex-clergyman uncle with an unscrupulous plan, a sister-in-law seeking a miracle, and a prodigal brother hell-bent on trouble.

Who directed National Theatre Live: The Brightening Air?

National Theatre Live: The Brightening Air was directed by Conor McPherson.

Who stars in National Theatre Live: The Brightening Air?

The principal cast of National Theatre Live: The Brightening Air includes Brian Gleeson, Rosie Sheehy, Hannah Morrish, Chris O'Dowd, Eimhin Fitzgerald Doherty.

When was National Theatre Live: The Brightening Air released and how long is it?

National Theatre Live: The Brightening Air was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 2h 11m.