Theatre Royal Winchester audiences have delighted in the National Theatre Live screenings of theatre productions captured live in London.
Last year local theatre-goers enjoyed the likes of The Crucible, Life of Pi and GOOD and this year the theatre is hosting more screenings featuring well-known actors and by critically acclaimed and award-winning playwrights.
So popular are the screenings that the first of the run, Skylight – which was at the theatre last Friday (12 January) sold out. Featuring Bill Nighy (About Time) and Carey Mulligan (Far from the Madding Crowd), they play a couple who try to rekindle their romance.
Next, on Thursday 25 January, Dear England follows the career of England football manager, Gareth Southgate – played by Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) – from the moment he missed a penalty at the 1996 Euro semi-finals to selecting his squad. A new play by James Graham (Best of Enemies – shown at the theatre last year), it is directed by Rupert Goold whose work includes stage productions of America Psycho and Richard III.
Fleabag star, Andrew Scott, plays multiple roles in Vanya on Saturday 9 March. Exploring complex human emotions, this one-man adaptation by playwright Simon Stephens (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time)is directed by Sam Yates (East is East).
More screenings that have gone on sale include The Motive and the Cue, on Saturday 6 April, about a newly married Richard Burton who is to play the title role in an experimental Broadway production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s direction. With Mark Gatiss (The League of Gentleman) as Gielgud and Johnny Flynn (Operation Mincemeat) as Burton, this award-winning new play is by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), directed by Sam Mendes (The Lehman Trilogy) and designed by Es Devlin (The Crucible).
While Nye on Monday 3 June features actor Michael Sheen (Frost Nixon) as Nye Bevan – the man who transformed Britain’s welfare state and created the NHS – and, confronted with death, his memories lead him on a journey back through his life. Written by Tim Price – who has written extensively for TV – Nye is directed bythe award-winning theatre and film director Rufus Norris – also the outgoing Artistic Director of the National Theatre.
The theatre’s screenings are possible following the installation of a laser projector, cinema screen, live streaming equipment and surround sound system in summer 2021. Play to the Crowd, the charity that runs the theatre, was able to complete this project thanks to a generous grant by the Garfield Weston Foundation, which awarded the charity money to help it continue to improve and extend its offer, accessibility and audience experience.
Tickets for NT Live screenings cost £16 each, with discounted rates for Members and Concessions. Each screening has a recommended age or certificate / rating. For more information or to book tickets visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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