

National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope
Synopsis
Alice, a brilliant novelist, despises the hollow contemporary mantras of kindness and respect. But the bolder she becomes in speaking out, the more colleagues avoid her, and the more her personal relationships begin to fracture. As she challenges fashionable ideas and lends her voice to causes others are afraid to touch, she faces intense criticism and backlash. Alice will soon learn the price she must pay as an artist and as a woman for daring to speak her mind. Award-winner Sandra Oh is the Misanthrope in Martin Crimp's cutting new version of Molière's dark comedy, directed by National Theatre Director Indhu Rubasingham.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Misanthrope Trailer | National Theatre LiveOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2026-08-11
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Sandra Oh
Alice
Paul Chahidi
John
Abigail Cruttenden
Claire
Imogen Elliott
Esmée
Rina Fatania
Indira
Freddie MacBruce
Allen
Tom Mison
Stefan
Jemima Rooper
Elaine
Gabby Wong
Understudy Alice
Scott Sparrow
Understudy Stefan
Amira Matthews
Understudy Claire / Understudy Indira / Understudy Elaine
Niamh James
Understudy Esmée / Understudy Allen
Arthur Blanc
Benjamin
Francesca Fullilove
Madeleine
Teddy Holton-Frances
Benjamin
Poppy Townsend White
Madeleine
John Vernon
Understudy John
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Indhu Rubasingham, Christine Lalla
- Screenplay & Story
- Martin Crimp, Molière
- Original Score
- Anna Meredith
- Original Title
- National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 45m
- Production Studios
- National Theatre
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Indhu Rubasingham, Christine Lalla
Martin Crimp, Molière
Anna Meredith
Department Leadership Roster
Molière
Writer
Indhu Rubasingham
Director
Christine Lalla
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope.
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 Misanthrope
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope about?
Alice, a brilliant novelist, despises the hollow contemporary mantras of kindness and respect. But the bolder she becomes in speaking out, the more colleagues avoid her, and the more her personal relationships begin to fracture. As she challenges fashionable ideas and lends her voice to causes others are afraid to touch, she faces intense criticism and backlash. Alice will soon learn the price she must pay as an artist and as a woman for daring to speak her mind. Award-winner Sandra Oh is the Misanthrope in Martin Crimp's cutting new version of Molière's dark comedy, directed by National Theatre Director Indhu Rubasingham.
Who directed National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope?
National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope was directed by Indhu Rubasingham, Christine Lalla.
Who stars in National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope?
The principal cast of National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope includes Sandra Oh, Paul Chahidi, Abigail Cruttenden, Imogen Elliott, Rina Fatania.
When was National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope released and how long is it?
National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope was released in 2026 with a total runtime of 1h 45m.
Who composed the musical score for National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope?
The original motion picture soundtrack for National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope was composed by Anna Meredith.




















