This electrifying brand-new play directed by Sam Mendes brings Richard Burton and John Gielgud’s infamous Hamlet rehearsals to the big screen, with Johnny Flynn and Mark Gatiss.

a new play by Jack Thorne
directed by Sam Mendes

Sam Mendes (The Lehman Trilogy) directs Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud and Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton in this fierce and funny new play.

1964: Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s exacting direction. But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.

Written by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and designed by Es Devlin (The Crucible), the Evening Standard award-winning best new play was filmed live during a sold-out run at the National Theatre.

Be part of a unique cinematic theatre experience and enjoy the best theatre performances filmed live from the beating heart of theatre and Britain's most exciting stages.

With state-of-the-art filming techniques, we bring you each performance as it happens, in all its glory. From close-ups that capture every flicker of emotion to sweeping wide shots of the stage.

Whether series drama, romcoms or sold-out awarding-winning hits, you'll always have the best seat in the house.