Fancy stepping into the spotlight? Well, no need to pack your bags for London’s West End. On 22 January, the National Theatre Live is bringing a slice of theatrical magic to the heart of the Manchester Arndale Centre – and it’s completely free.
Here’s the deal. Picture yourself in one of Vue’s luxurious Lux recliner seats – you know, the sort where you melt into the cushion a little too easily. From there, you’ll get to read an excerpt from a famous play live with a National Theatre actor beaming in from London via a massive screen smack dab in the middle of the shopping centre. That’s right. Your stage debut could happen right between a Pret and Zara. How very 2024.
This event offers more than just a chance to flex your acting chops. It’s a celebration of how National Theatre Live continues to redefine event cinema, capturing world-class performances and delivering them to audiences far and wide. Since its launch, it’s been a game-changer in making the arts more accessible – whether you’re in Manchester, Melbourne, or Milton Keynes.
A New Play, A Familiar Cast
If you’re in Manchester on the day, you might rub metaphorical shoulders with some pretty big names. Stars like Ncuti Gatwa (Douglas from Sex Education, and your new Doctor Who, naturally), Ronk? Adék?lu??j??, Eliza Scanlan, and Amanda Lawrence are all part of this brilliant event. They’re the cast of The Importance of Being Earnest, the next National Theatre Live gem hitting cinemas on 20 February.
And they’re not the only famous faces tied to the National Theatre Live family. Adrian Scarborough (Gavin and Stacey), Katherine Parkinson (Rivals), Owen Teale (Game of Thrones – yes, one of the grumpy blokes from The Wall), and others have graced its stage-to-screen productions. If you’re a pop culture junkie, it’s like a six degrees of separation game you didn’t know you needed.
Pulling Back the Curtain on Event Cinema
Why’s all this important? A recent survey by the National Theatre Live shed some light on our theatre-going habits. It turns out a quarter of Brits are keen to hit the cinema more this year. Among Gen Z – you know, those mythical creatures who can actually work TikTok properly – interest jumps to 38%. Event cinema, which essentially combines the grandeur of live theatre with the convenience of cinema, is still new for many. Only 19% have tried it so far, but nearly half (47%) are interested, with Gen Z once again leading the pack.
This makes total sense when you think about it. Watching something as carefully crafted as a National Theatre production in high definition, complete with behind-the-scenes angles and jaw-dropping close-ups, is an experience like no other. No opera glasses needed.
Alex Bayley, Chief Marketing Officer at the National Theatre, summarised it best, saying, “What National Theatre Live offers so brilliantly is the ability for people around the UK and the world to access incredible productions they might not have been able to see – but importantly it captures these performances to create an emotional and immersive experience.”
The survey also found that people are craving these sorts of experiences to boost their well-being. Over half (53%) of Brits agree that arts-based events are vital for a healthy work-life balance. Gen Z, being the sentimental souls they are, pushed that sentiment even further to a whopping 86%. Seems an evening with the Bard might be good for more than just your bragging rights.
More to Watch, More to Love
Hot on the heels of their Manchester event, National Theatre Live has announced its updated lineup. Alongside The Importance of Being Earnest, they’ve got Dr. Strangelove starring Steve Coogan coming to cinemas from 27 March. And in yet another showstopper, National Theatre Live alumni Benedict Cumberbatch (Hamlet, Frankenstein, and obviously everywhere else) is starring in their sleek new campaign video, which will air ahead of screenings worldwide. Talk about high production value – a quality that 45% of Brits demand when choosing their arts experiences.
With performances screening in over 850 cinemas and venues across the UK, there’s every chance you’ll find a seat (recliner optional). Whether you’re a lifelong theatre fan or just someone looking for something new to do on a Friday night that doesn’t involve awkward small talk in a pub, it’s never been easier to lose yourself in the magic of theatre from the comfort of your local cinema.
For more info or to book your tickets, head over to ntlive.com. Go on. The best seat in the house is waiting – and who knows? Maybe your inner thespian is just itching to be discovered at the shopping centre.