

National Theatre Live: London Assurance
Synopsis
Grace has agreed to marry Sir Harcourt in return for his financial support of her family. At a house party in her father's place, Harcourt's son Charles also falls in love with Grace. When his father appears on the scene, he has to convince him that there is a case of mistaken identity and he is somebody else. Then Lady Gay Spanker, a married woman also visiting at the house, is persuaded by Charles to seduce his father and thus divert his attention from Grace. Much confusion and scheming ensues. One of the first five episodes also released on terrestrial TV on a 2009 BBC TV series titled "National Theatre Live".
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official London Assurance Trailer | National Theatre CollectionOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2020-06-01
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Paul Ready
Charles Courtly
Simon Russell Beale
Sir Harcourt Courtly
Michelle Terry
Grace Harkaway
Mark Addy
Squire Max Harkaway
Fiona Shaw
Lady Gay Spanker
Matt Cross
Richard Dazzle
Richard Briers
Mr. Adolphus Spanker
Junix Inocian
Mr. Solomon Isaacs
Prasanna Puwanarajah
Servant
Nick Sampson
Cool
Richard Frame
Martin
Maggie Service
Pert
Simon Markey
James
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Nicholas Hytner
- Screenplay & Story
- Dion Boucicault
- Original Score
- Rachel Portman
- Original Title
- National Theatre Live: London Assurance
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 40m
- Production Studios
- National Theatre
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Nicholas Hytner
Dion Boucicault
Rachel Portman
Department Leadership Roster
Dion Boucicault
Writer
Nicholas Hytner
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: London Assurance.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring National Theatre Live: London Assurance.
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: London Assurance
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is National Theatre Live: London Assurance about?
Grace has agreed to marry Sir Harcourt in return for his financial support of her family. At a house party in her father's place, Harcourt's son Charles also falls in love with Grace. When his father appears on the scene, he has to convince him that there is a case of mistaken identity and he is somebody else. Then Lady Gay Spanker, a married woman also visiting at the house, is persuaded by Charles to seduce his father and thus divert his attention from Grace. Much confusion and scheming ensues. One of the first five episodes also released on terrestrial TV on a 2009 BBC TV series titled "National Theatre Live".
Who directed National Theatre Live: London Assurance?
National Theatre Live: London Assurance was directed by Nicholas Hytner.
Who stars in National Theatre Live: London Assurance?
The principal cast of National Theatre Live: London Assurance includes Paul Ready, Simon Russell Beale, Michelle Terry, Mark Addy, Fiona Shaw.
When was National Theatre Live: London Assurance released and how long is it?
National Theatre Live: London Assurance was released in 2010 with a total runtime of 2h 40m.
Who composed the musical score for National Theatre Live: London Assurance?
The original motion picture soundtrack for National Theatre Live: London Assurance was composed by Rachel Portman.

















