CHRISTINE BARANSKI AND RICHARD E. GRANT LEAD NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE’S 2027 LINE-UP

Two acclaimed theatrical productions are heading to the big screen in 2027, as National Theatre Live announces the cinema premiere of Noël Coward’s Hay Fever, starring Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant, alongside the return of Sam Mendes’ celebrated production of The Motive and the Cue.

Photo Credit: HAY FEVER. Richard E. Grant (David Bliss) and Christine Baranski (Judith Bliss) Photo, Marc Brenner

Bringing some of the West End’s most exciting performances to audiences around the world, the new releases offer theatre lovers the opportunity to experience two very different productions, from Coward’s sparkling comedy of manners to a compelling exploration of one of theatre’s most legendary collaborations.

Opening in cinemas on 14 January 2027, Hay Fever sees two-time Tony Award winner Christine Baranski make her West End debut alongside Academy Award nominee Richard E. Grant, who returns to the London stage after two decades. Currently playing at Wyndham’s Theatre, the production is directed by Emily Burns and brings fresh energy to Coward’s deliciously chaotic comedy about the eccentric Bliss family.

Baranski takes on the role of Judith Bliss, a retired actress who longs for the spotlight, while Grant plays her equally theatrical husband, David. When each member of the family independently invites a guest to their country home for the weekend, the stage is set for a wonderfully disastrous gathering of tangled relationships, outrageous behaviour and social embarrassment.

The production also features an accomplished ensemble cast, including Nancy Carroll, Ophelia Lovibond, Charles Edwards and Will Close, with striking set and costume design by Frankie Bradshaw.

Following its cinema debut, National Theatre Live will welcome back The Motive and the Cue from 18 February 2027, giving audiences another opportunity to experience Jack Thorne’s acclaimed backstage drama, directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sam Mendes.

Photo Credit: NTL 2024 The Motive and the Cue Production Photography 15. Photo, Mark Douet

Inspired by the extraordinary story behind Richard Burton and John Gielgud’s 1964 Broadway production of Hamlet, the play transports audiences into a rehearsal room where two generations of theatrical brilliance collide. Johnny Flynn stars as the charismatic Richard Burton, newly married to Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor, played by Tuppence Middleton, while Mark Gatiss delivers an Olivier Award-winning performance as legendary director John Gielgud.

As Burton prepares to take on Shakespeare’s most famous role under Gielgud’s direction, creative differences and clashing personalities threaten to derail their ambitious production. What unfolds is a fascinating portrait of artistic ambition, celebrity, ego and the complicated relationships that shape great theatre.

Photo Credit: NTL 2024 The Motive and the Cue Production Photography 26 (Photo Mark Douet)

Following a sold-out run at the National Theatre in 2023, a successful West End transfer and its original cinema release, The Motive and the Cue has already been seen by more than 240,000 people worldwide. Reflecting on the production’s return to cinemas, Mark Gatiss described the experience as one of the most rewarding and fulfilling of his career, while Johnny Flynn welcomed the opportunity for new audiences to discover a play that celebrates the enduring power of storytelling.

Both productions form part of National Theatre Live’s ongoing commitment to making world-class theatre accessible beyond the stage, capturing performances in front of live audiences and bringing them to cinemas across the UK and internationally.

National Theatre Live’s Hay Fever will be released in cinemas from 14 January 2027, followed by The Motive and the Cue from 18 February 2027.

Tickets and screening information are available at NTLive.com.