The Motive and the Cue
theatre
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The Motive and the Cue
Why would the most famous movie star in the world choose to do a play which everyone already knows? And what lures us back to the same plays, year after year? Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new 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. This fierce and funny new play by Jack Thorne offers a glimpse into the politics of a rehearsal room and the relationship between art and celebrity.
Motive and the Cue will be staged at the National Theatre's Lyttelton Theatre from 20 April — 15 July 2023. Tickets can be booked here.
About
A Neal Street co-production with The National Theatre, this new play, The Motive and the Cue, directed by Sam Mendes and written by Jack Thorne which will be staged at the NT's Lyttelton Theatre from April 2023.
The production will feature Production Design by Es Devlin, Costume Design by Katrina Lindsay, Lighting by Jon Clark, Composing by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, Sound Design by Paul Arditti and Video Design by Luke Halls. Associate director is Zoé Ford Burnett.
Key Creatives & Cast
Key Creatives:
Directed by Sam Mendes
Written by Jack Thorne
Production Design by Es Devlin
Costume Design by Katrina Lindsay
Lighting Design by Jon Clark
Composed by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell
Sound Design by Paul Arditti
Video Design by Luke Halls
Associate Director is Zoé Ford Burnett
Cast:
Johnny Flynn
Mark Gatiss
Tuppence Middleton
Janie Dee
Aaron Anthony
Tom Babbage
Allan Corduner
Elena Delia
Ryan Ellsworth
Phoebe Horn
Aysha Kala
Luke Norris
Huw Parmenter
David Ricardo-Pearce
David Tarkenter
Kate Tydman
Laurence Ubong Williams
Michael Walters
Productions
National Theatre, London. April - July 2023
Reviews
"It’s elegantly put together and acted"
"A witty, deft, touching evocation of a fascinating, fraught encounter that captures the mood of those times"
"Immaculately directed by Sam Mendes"
"You’ll get goosebumps watching The Motive and the Cue at the National Theatre"
"Sam Mendes Is Right On Cue With Richard Burton, John Gielgud & Elizabeth Taylor In London’s Hottest New Play"
"Richard Burton and John Gielgud’s dramatic encounter brilliantly portrayed"
"A polished production"
"Dialogue of the first order and it’s a joy to hear"