National Theatre Live has unveiled a major new season of theatre broadcasts set to hit cinemas worldwide, showcasing a dynamic mix of classic revivals and bold new writing.
The line-up includes Mrs. Warren’s Profession, The Fifth Step, and Hamlet, with performances captured from both the National Theatre and London’s West End.
Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden and Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman lead The Fifth Step, a gripping new play by David Ireland. Described as “raw, excruciating and often alarmingly funny” (★★★★★ Daily Mail), the production explores the fragile bond between two men in Alcoholics Anonymous.
Directed by Finn den Hertog, The Fifth Step was originally staged by the National Theatre of Scotland and filmed live from its sold-out West End run at @sohoplace. It will be released in cinemas from 27 November.
From 23 October, audiences can see five-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton star alongside her daughter Bessie Carter in Mrs. Warren’s Profession. This “startlingly fresh” (★★★★ Time Out) revival of Bernard Shaw’s classic is directed by Dominic Cooke and filmed live from the West End.
The production, presented by Sonia Friedman Productions, marks the first time Staunton and Carter have appeared on stage together, playing mother and daughter in a powerful exploration of morality, independence, and societal expectations.
Looking ahead to 2026, Hamlet will be broadcast from 26 January. Directed by National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director Robert Hastie, this contemporary take on Shakespeare’s tragedy stars Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera in the title role.
Hamlet will be the first production from the National Theatre to be broadcast under the new artistic leadership of Indhu Rubasingham.
These titles join the previously announced Inter Alia, starring Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike. Written by Suzie Miller and directed by Justin Martin, the play will be broadcast live from the Lyttelton Stage on 4 September, with global screenings from 25 September.
Indhu Rubasingham, Director and Co-CEO of the National Theatre, said:
“From the moment I began this role, I knew that expanding our digital reach would be key to my vision to bring the world to the National Theatre and the National Theatre to the world. NT Live is a powerful way to open not just our work, but the work of our incredible peers in the West End and beyond, to audiences globally. This season is a fantastic example of that vision in action: reimagined classics and bold new writing, just as you’ll see on our stages in London. It’s about accessibility, excellence, and expanding the joy of theatre far beyond our walls and city. It’s about breaking down barriers and inviting everyone in.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here:
- The Fifth Step: https://thefifthstep.ntlive.com
- Mrs. Warren’s Profession: https://mrswarrensprofession.ntlive.com
- Hamlet: https://hamlet.ntlive.com/
- Inter Alia: https://interalia.ntlive.com
