National Theatre Live has announced that the Almeida Theatre’s forthcoming revival of Golden Boy, starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Josh O’Connor, will be released to cinemas worldwide from 5 November 2026.
Written by Clifford Odets and directed by Olivier Award winner Sam Yates, the production will be captured live during its limited run at the Almeida Theatre, where it plays from 9 September to 31 October 2026.
O’Connor, known for The Crown and Challengers, leads a cast that includes Jason Barnett, Richard Fleeshman, David Ganly, Patrick Martins, Daniel Mays, Oliver Ryan, Hayley Squires, Stanley Townsend, Zubin Varla and Nicholas Woodeson.
Sam Yates said: “It is magical to think that our production of Clifford Odets’ play Golden Boy will be seen by audiences in cinemas across the world via NT Live. The filmed production exists both as an experience of the live production and as a film in its own right – a special melding of two art-forms. With the peerless Josh O’Connor leading this spectacular cast, and a world-class creative team, Odets’ propulsive American classic will thrill audiences with its verve, power and heart.”
Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, Golden Boy follows gifted young violinist Joe Bonaparte, whose dreams of musical success are challenged when he is drawn into the brutal world of professional boxing.
Caught between the lure of fame and fortune, family expectations and forbidden love, Joe must decide what he is willing to sacrifice in pursuit of success.
Brought to life with a live string quartet, the production explores ambition, identity and the personal cost of chasing the American Dream.
Golden Boy joins the previously announced NT Live release of The Misanthrope, starring Sandra Oh, which is set to reach cinemas from 22 September 2026.
Audiences will be able to watch Golden Boy in cinemas around the world, with release dates for some international territories outside the UK to be announced.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
