Dance First
“Think later.”
Synopsis
Parisian bon vivant, World War II Resistance fighter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright, philandering husband and recluse…Samuel Beckett lived a life of many parts. Titled after Beckett’s famous ethos “Dance first, think later”, the film is a sweeping account of the life of this 20th-century icon.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official US TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2024-07-16
Top Cast
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Gabriel Byrne
Samuel Beckett
Aidan Gillen
James Joyce
Sandrine Bonnaire
Suzanne
Fionn O'Shea
Young Samuel
Maxine Peake
Barbara
Bronagh Gallagher
Nora Barnacle
Lisa Dwyer Hogg
May Beckett
Caroline Boulton
Sylvia Beach
Gráinne Good
Lucia Joyce
Cillian Hollywood
5 year old Samuel
Patrik Piró
Adam
Léonie Lojkine
Younger Suzanne
Andrew Hefler
Leon
Barry O'Connor
William Beckett
Caleb Johnston-Miller
10 year old Samuel
Robert Aramayo
Alfred Peron
Rebecka Johnston
Woman 1
Szabolcs Kelemen
Prudent
Release History & Theatrical Window
Streaming Window: 7 DaysShanghai International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
August 9, 2024
Wide Cinema Exhibition
August 16, 2024
VOD & Digital Platforms
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$163K
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- James Marsh
- Screenplay & Story
- Neil Forsyth
- Original Title
- Dance First
- Country of Origin
- Belgium, Hungary, United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- French, English
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Worldwide Gross
- $163K
- Production Studios
- 2LE Media, Film Constellation, Proton Cinema, Sky Arts, uMedia
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
James Marsh
Neil Forsyth
Antonio Paladino
David Charap
Paul Ashton, Tom Thostrup, Michael Livingstone, Viktória Petrányi, Fabien Westerhoff
Department Leadership Roster
Antonio Paladino
Director of Photography
Neil Forsyth
Screenplay
James Marsh
Director
Tom Thostrup
Producer
Michael Livingstone
Producer
Viktória Petrányi
Producer
David Charap
Editor
Damien Creagh
Production Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
12 Accompanied — Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Dance First.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Dance First.
Favorite Actors
Favorites 2023 Release
MNR
Hulu - History Movies
Curated list of History on Hulu (US). Updated frequently. Last updated October 14, 2026.
Periodic import List
BD Release: 2021-2025
Movies released in 4K Blu-ray format - 2021-2025
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dance First
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Dance First about?
Parisian bon vivant, World War II Resistance fighter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright, philandering husband and recluse…Samuel Beckett lived a life of many parts. Titled after Beckett’s famous ethos “Dance first, think later”, the film is a sweeping account of the life of this 20th-century icon.
Who directed Dance First?
Dance First was directed by James Marsh.
Who stars in Dance First?
The principal cast of Dance First includes Gabriel Byrne, Aidan Gillen, Sandrine Bonnaire, Fionn O'Shea, Maxine Peake.
When was Dance First released and how long is it?
Dance First was released in 2023 with a total runtime of 1h 40m.
How much did Dance First make at the box office?
Dance First grossed $163K in worldwide ticket sales.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Dance First?
Dance First holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); GB: 12A (12 Accompanied — Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.).