

National Theatre Live: Hamlet
Synopsis
A 2010 broadcast of Hamlet returns to cinemas as part of the NT's 50th anniversary celebrations. Following his celebrated performances at the National Theatre in Burnt by the Sun, The Revenger's Tragedy, Philistines and The Man of Mode, Rory Kinnear plays Hamlet in a dynamic new production of Shakespeare’s complex and profound play about the human condition, directed by Nicholas Hytner. He is joined by Clare Higgins (Gertrude), Patrick Malahide (Claudius), David Calder (Polonius), James Laurenson (Ghost/Player King) and Ruth Negga (Ophelia).
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
National Theatre Live: Hamlet soliloquyOfficial
Type: Clip • Published 2013-10-22
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Rory Kinnear
Hamlet
Matthew Barker
Francisco
David Calder
Polonius
Marcus Cunningham
Marcellus
Jake Fairbrother
Fortinbras
Richie Hart
Musician
Clare Higgins
Gertrude
Ferdinand Kingsley
Rosencrantz
Alex Lanipekun
Laertes
James Laurenson
Ghost / Player King
Patrick Malahide
Claudius
Ruth Negga
Ophelia
James Pearse
Voltemand
Michael Peavoy
Barnardo
Saskia Portway
Player Queen
Victor Power
Reynaldo
Prasanna Puwanarajah
Guildenstern
Nick Sampson
Osric
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Robin Lough, Nicholas Hytner
- Screenplay & Story
- William Shakespeare
- Original Score
- Alex Baranowski
- Original Title
- National Theatre Live: Hamlet
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 3h 30m
- Production Studios
- National Theatre
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Robin Lough, Nicholas Hytner
William Shakespeare
Alex Baranowski
Department Leadership Roster
Robin Lough
Director
Nicholas Hytner
Director
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Suitable only for 12 years and over.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: Hamlet.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring National Theatre Live: Hamlet.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions About National Theatre Live: Hamlet
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is National Theatre Live: Hamlet about?
A 2010 broadcast of Hamlet returns to cinemas as part of the NT's 50th anniversary celebrations. Following his celebrated performances at the National Theatre in Burnt by the Sun, The Revenger's Tragedy, Philistines and The Man of Mode, Rory Kinnear plays Hamlet in a dynamic new production of Shakespeare’s complex and profound play about the human condition, directed by Nicholas Hytner. He is joined by Clare Higgins (Gertrude), Patrick Malahide (Claudius), David Calder (Polonius), James Laurenson (Ghost/Player King) and Ruth Negga (Ophelia).
Who directed National Theatre Live: Hamlet?
National Theatre Live: Hamlet was directed by Robin Lough, Nicholas Hytner.
Who stars in National Theatre Live: Hamlet?
The principal cast of National Theatre Live: Hamlet includes Rory Kinnear, Matthew Barker, David Calder, Marcus Cunningham, Jake Fairbrother.
When was National Theatre Live: Hamlet released and how long is it?
National Theatre Live: Hamlet was released in 2010 with a total runtime of 3h 30m.
Who composed the musical score for National Theatre Live: Hamlet?
The original motion picture soundtrack for National Theatre Live: Hamlet was composed by Alex Baranowski.
What is the age rating and content advisory for National Theatre Live: Hamlet?
National Theatre Live: Hamlet holds official age classifications: GB: 12 (Suitable only for 12 years and over.).



















