National Theatre Live has revealed three major titles joining its 2026 cinema slate, promising audiences a year of theatrical highlights on the big screen.
Returning to UK cinemas on 26 February 2026, Helen Mirren reprises her Olivier and Tony Award-winning role as Queen Elizabeth II in The Audience. Directed by Stephen Daldry and written by Peter Morgan, this acclaimed production was originally captured live from London’s West End in 2013. The play inspired Morgan’s Netflix hit The Crown and remains one of NT Live’s most-watched broadcasts.
For 60 years, Queen Elizabeth II met privately with her prime ministers. The Audience offers a rare glimpse into these conversations, revealing the woman behind the crown and the moments that shaped a monarch.
From 28 May 2026, Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton), Éanna Hardwicke (Saipan) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) star in John Millington Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World. Directed by Caitriona McLaughlin, Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre, this new production will be captured from its run at the National Theatre’s Lyttelton stage.
Pegeen Flaherty’s life changes when a young man enters her pub claiming he has killed his father. Instead of being shunned, Christy Mahon becomes a local hero—until an unexpected arrival threatens to upend everything.
Completing the trio is a major revival of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Christopher Hampton’s celebrated adaptation of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ classic novel. Directed by Marianne Elliott (Angels in America), the production stars BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread), Aidan Turner (Rivals) and Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown). Captured from the Lyttelton stage, it will play from 21 March to 6 June 2026, ahead of its NT Live release on 25 June 2026.
Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont weaponise desire and turn seduction into strategy. But when their alliance collapses, the ensuing rivalry threatens to destroy everyone in their path.
These productions join the previously announced Hamlet, directed by Robert Hastie and starring Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera, which opens the 2026 NT Live season on 22 January.
Matt Risley, National Theatre’s Chief Digital Officer, said:
“It has been a blockbuster year for NT Live and 2026 is already shaping up to follow suit. This year we’ve had over 1.2 million admissions worldwide, across six releases, and the momentum shows no sign of slowing down. It’s brilliant that we’re able to bring back The Audience to the UK after over ten years, an often-requested fan-favourite, alongside two of the most highly anticipated productions of the National Theatre’s new season.”
More information can be found here.
