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National Theatre Live: Man and Superman poster
6.2 / 10(6 votes)IMDb20153h 40mUnited Kingdom

National Theatre Live: Man and Superman

Synopsis

Academy Award® nominee Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient, Schindler’s List, Oedipus at the National Theatre) plays Jack Tanner in this exhilarating reinvention of Shaw’s witty, provocative classic. Jack Tanner, celebrated radical thinker and rich bachelor, seems an unlikely choice as guardian to the alluring heiress, Ann. But she takes it in her assured stride and, despite the love of a poet, she decides to marry and tame this dazzling revolutionary. Tanner, appalled by the whiff of domesticity, is tipped off by his chauffeur and flees to Spain, where he is captured by bandits and meets The Devil. An extraordinary dream-debate, heaven versus hell, ensues. Following in hot pursuit, Ann is there when Tanner awakes, as fierce in her certainty as he is in his. A romantic comedy, an epic fairytale, a fiery philosophical debate, Man and Superman asks fundamental questions about how we live.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

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

National Theatre Live: Man and Superman starring Ralph FiennesOfficial

Type: Trailer • Published 2015-04-15

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

May 14, 2015

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Robin Lough
Screenplay & Story
George Bernard Shaw
Original Score
Michael Bruce
Original Title
National Theatre Live: Man and Superman
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
3h 40m
Production Studios
National Theatre

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Robin Lough

Screenplay & Story

George Bernard Shaw

Original Score & Music

Michael Bruce

Producers

Emma Keith, David Sabel

Department Leadership Roster

Emma Keith

Producer

Robin Lough

Robin Lough

Director

Christopher Oram

Costume Design

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

International Certification Matrix

United Kingdom (BBFC)12A

12 Accompanied — Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.

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

Featured In Curated Collections

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

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29401 titles

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: Man and Superman

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

What is National Theatre Live: Man and Superman about?

Academy Award® nominee Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient, Schindler’s List, Oedipus at the National Theatre) plays Jack Tanner in this exhilarating reinvention of Shaw’s witty, provocative classic. Jack Tanner, celebrated radical thinker and rich bachelor, seems an unlikely choice as guardian to the alluring heiress, Ann. But she takes it in her assured stride and, despite the love of a poet, she decides to marry and tame this dazzling revolutionary. Tanner, appalled by the whiff of domesticity, is tipped off by his chauffeur and flees to Spain, where he is captured by bandits and meets The Devil. An extraordinary dream-debate, heaven versus hell, ensues. Following in hot pursuit, Ann is there when Tanner awakes, as fierce in her certainty as he is in his. A romantic comedy, an epic fairytale, a fiery philosophical debate, Man and Superman asks fundamental questions about how we live.

Who directed National Theatre Live: Man and Superman?

National Theatre Live: Man and Superman was directed by Robin Lough.

Who stars in National Theatre Live: Man and Superman?

The principal cast of National Theatre Live: Man and Superman includes Nicholas Le Prevost, Ferdinand Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Indira Varma, Christine Kavanagh.

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

National Theatre Live: Man and Superman was released in 2015 with a total runtime of 3h 40m.

Who composed the musical score for National Theatre Live: Man and Superman?

The original motion picture soundtrack for National Theatre Live: Man and Superman was composed by Michael Bruce.

What is the age rating and content advisory for National Theatre Live: Man and Superman?

National Theatre Live: Man and Superman holds official age classifications: GB: 12A (12 Accompanied — Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.).