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National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea poster
7.0 / 10(5 votes)IMDb20162h 3mUnited Kingdom

National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea

Synopsis

A flat in Ladbroke Grove, West London. 1952. When Hester Collyer is found by her neighbours in the aftermath of a failed suicide attempt, the story of her tempestuous affair with a former RAF pilot and the breakdown of her marriage to a High Court judge begins to emerge. With it comes a portrait of need, loneliness and long-repressed passion. Behind the fragile veneer of post-war civility burns a brutal sense of loss and longing.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

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

Official Trailer | The Deep Blue Sea with Helen McCrory and Tom Burke | National Theatre at HomeOfficial

Type: Trailer • Published 2020-07-02

Release History & Theatrical Window

Streaming Window: 1333 Days
Theatrical Premiere

November 14, 2016

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Digital Streaming Debut

July 9, 2020

VOD & Digital Platforms

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Carrie Cracknell
Screenplay & Story
Terence Rattigan
Original Score
Stuart Earl
Original Title
National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
2h 3m
Production Studios
National Theatre

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Carrie Cracknell

Screenplay & Story

Terence Rattigan

Original Score & Music

Stuart Earl

Department Leadership Roster

Tom Scutt

Tom Scutt

Production Design

Carrie Cracknell

Carrie Cracknell

Director

Terence Rattigan

Terence Rattigan

Writer

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: The Deep Blue Sea.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea.

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29370 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: The Deep Blue Sea

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

What is National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea about?

A flat in Ladbroke Grove, West London. 1952. When Hester Collyer is found by her neighbours in the aftermath of a failed suicide attempt, the story of her tempestuous affair with a former RAF pilot and the breakdown of her marriage to a High Court judge begins to emerge. With it comes a portrait of need, loneliness and long-repressed passion. Behind the fragile veneer of post-war civility burns a brutal sense of loss and longing.

Who directed National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea?

National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea was directed by Carrie Cracknell.

Who stars in National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea?

The principal cast of National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea includes Helen McCrory, Yolanda Kettle, Nick Fletcher, Marion Bailey, Hubert Burton.

When was National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea released and how long is it?

National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea was released in 2016 with a total runtime of 2h 3m.

Who composed the musical score for National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea?

The original motion picture soundtrack for National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea was composed by Stuart Earl.

What is the age rating and content advisory for National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea?

National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea holds official age classifications: GB: 12A (12 Accompanied — Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.).