

National Theatre Live: King Lear
Synopsis
Considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written, King Lear sees two ageing fathers – one a King, one his courtier – reject the children who truly love them. Their blindness unleashes a tornado of pitiless ambition and treachery, as family and state are plunged into a violent power struggle with bitter ends.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
King Lear | Official Trailer | National Theatre LiveOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2020-07-27
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Ian McKellen
King Lear
Sinéad Cusack
Kent
Danny Webb
Gloucester
Kirsty Bushell
Regan
James Corrigan
Edmund
Lloyd Hutchinson
Fool
Claire Price
Goneril
Luke Thompson
Edgar
Anita-Joy Uwajeh
Cordelia
Richard Clews
Gentleman Informer / Old Man
John Hastings
Curan / Doctor
Jake Mann
Burgundy / Lear's Knight
Michael Matus
Oswald
Caleb Roberts
King of France
Anthony Howell
Albany
Daniel Rabin
Cornwall
Scott Sparrow
Albany's Man
James Millard
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jonathan Munby, Ross MacGibbon
- Screenplay & Story
- William Shakespeare
- Original Title
- National Theatre Live: King Lear
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 3h 47m
- Production Studios
- National Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jonathan Munby, Ross MacGibbon
William Shakespeare
Department Leadership Roster
Jonathan Munby
Director
Ross MacGibbon
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: King Lear.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Favorite Actors
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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: King Lear
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is National Theatre Live: King Lear about?
Considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written, King Lear sees two ageing fathers – one a King, one his courtier – reject the children who truly love them. Their blindness unleashes a tornado of pitiless ambition and treachery, as family and state are plunged into a violent power struggle with bitter ends.
Who directed National Theatre Live: King Lear?
National Theatre Live: King Lear was directed by Jonathan Munby, Ross MacGibbon.
Who stars in National Theatre Live: King Lear?
The principal cast of National Theatre Live: King Lear includes Ian McKellen, Sinéad Cusack, Danny Webb, Kirsty Bushell, James Corrigan.
When was National Theatre Live: King Lear released and how long is it?
National Theatre Live: King Lear was released in 2018 with a total runtime of 3h 47m.




















