IMDbIn Production2026United Kingdom

National Theatre Live: Golden Boy

“I'm out for fame and fortune, not to be different or artistic! I don't intend to be ashamed of my life!”

Topics:#new york city #great depression #based on play or musical #1930s #filmed theater #pro-shot theatre

Synopsis

1930s New York, at the height of the Depression. Joe Bonaparte is a gifted young violinist with extraordinary talent and a future in music, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional boxing. Pressured by a ruthless manager, tempted by a forbidden love, and bound by the expectations of his Italian-American family, Joe is a young man torn between the seductive promise of the American Dream and the quiet honor of a decent life. He must confront what he’s willing to sacrifice, who he’s willing to become, and how to find his place in a world that demands he choose a side. Sam Yates directs Josh O'Connor in this searing revival of Clifford Odets' knockout American classic. Brought to life with a live string quartet, this propulsive drama explores ambition, identity, and the high price of success. A live stage production filmed at the Almeida Theatre, in London, UK.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

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

Golden Boy | Behind the Scenes

Type: Behind the Scenes • Published 2026-08-12

Top Cast

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Josh O'Connor

Joe Bonaparte

Jason Barnett

Tokio

Richard Fleeshman

Frank

David Ganly

Roxy

Patrick Martins

Pepper White / Journalist

Oliver Ryan

Mickey / Drake / Driscoll

Hayley Squires

Lorna

Stanley Townsend

Mr. Bonaparte

Zubin Varla

Eddie Fuseli

Nicholas Woodeson

Mr. Carp / Barker

Daniel Mays

Moody

Oscar Prout

Young Joe Bonaparte

Anton Vehring

Young Joe Bonaparte

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director: Sam Yates
Screenplay & Story: Clifford Odets
Original Score: Isobel Waller-Bridge
Original Title: National Theatre Live: Golden Boy
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Spoken Languages: English
Runtime: Unknown
Production Studios: Almeida Theatre, National Theatre

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Sam Yates

Screenplay & Story

Clifford Odets

Original Score & Music

Isobel Waller-Bridge

Department Leadership Roster

Sam Yates

Director

Clifford Odets

Writer

Age Classification & Content Advisories

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International Certification Matrix

United Kingdom (BBFC)15

Suitable only for 15 years and over.

Production Stills & Gallery

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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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