National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue (2024)
In 1964, Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under Sir John Gielgud’s exacting direction. But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.
Director: Sam Mendes
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/the-motive-and-the-cue/
![]() |
Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton |
![]() |
Mark Gatiss as Sir John Gielgud |
![]() |
Tuppence Middleton as Elizabeth Taylor |
![]() |
Aysha Kala as |
![]() |
Luke Norris as William Redfield |
![]() |
Allan Corduner as Hume Cronyn |
![]() |
Ryan Ellsworth as George Voskovec |
![]() |
Elena Delia as Jessica Levy |
![]() |
Huw Parmenter as Clement Fowler |
![]() |
Laurence Ubong Williams as Hugh McHaffie |
![]() |
Michael Walters as |
![]() |
Mark Extance as Mick Burrows |
![]() |
Dan Krikler as Dillon Evans |
![]() |
Shaun McKee as Robert Milli |
![]() |
Stephanie Siadatan as Susannah Mason |
![]() |
Adam Sina as Frederick Young |
![]() |
David Tarkenter as Alfred Drake |
![]() |
Kate Tydman as Christine Cooper |
![]() |
Rebecca Collingwood as Linda Marsh |
![]() |
Janie Dee as Eileen Herlie |
| Writing | Jack Thorne | Writer |
| Production | Pippa Harris | Producer |
| Production | Alastair Coomer | Casting |
| Costume & Make-Up | Katrina Lindsay | Costume Design |
| Sound | Paul Arditti | Sound Designer |
| Lighting | Jon Clark | Lighting Design |
| Directing | Sam Mendes | Director |
| Production | Caro Newling | Producer |
| Art | Es Devlin | Set Designer |
| Production | Naomi Downham | Casting |
| Sound | Benjamin Kwasi Burrell | Original Music Composer |