National Theatre Live: Golden Boy (2026)
1930s New York, at the height of the Depression. Joe Bonaparte is a gifted young violinist with extraordinary talent and a future in music, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional boxing. Pressured by a ruthless manager, tempted by a forbidden love, and bound by the expectations of his Italian-American family, Joe is a young man torn between the seductive promise of the American Dream and the quiet honor of a decent life. He must confront what he’s willing to sacrifice, who he’s willing to become, and how to find his place in a world that demands he choose a side. Sam Yates directs Josh O'Connor in this searing revival of Clifford Odets' knockout American classic. Brought to life with a live string quartet, this propulsive drama explores ambition, identity, and the high price of success.
Director: Sam Yates
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Josh O'Connor as Joe Bonaparte |
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Jason Barnett as Tokio |
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Richard Fleeshman as Frank |
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David Ganly as Roxy |
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Patrick Martins as Pepper White / Journalist |
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Oliver Ryan as Mickey / Drake / Driscoll |
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Hayley Squires as Lorna |
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Stanley Townsend as Mr. Bonaparte |
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Zubin Varla as Eddie Fuseli |
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Nicholas Woodeson as Mr. Carp / Barker |
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Daniel Mays as Moody |
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Oscar Prout as Young Joe Bonaparte |
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Anton Vehring as Young Joe Bonaparte |
| Directing | Sam Yates | Director |
| Writing | Clifford Odets | Writer |
| Art | Rosanna Vize | Set Designer |
| Costume & Make-Up | Rosanna Vize | Costume Designer |
| Lighting | James Farncombe | Lighting Design |
| Sound | Dan Balfour | Sound Designer |
| Sound | Isobel Waller-Bridge | Music |
| Camera | Jack Phelan | Video Report |
| Crew | Imogen Knight | Other |
| Crew | Kate Waters | Fight Choreographer |
| Production | Jim Carnahan | Casting Director |
| Production | Alexandre Bleau | Casting Director |
| Production | Amy Beadel | Casting Director |
| Sound | Jerome van den Berghe | Music Supervisor |
| Sound | David Gallagher | Orchestrator |
| Costume & Make-Up | Sabia Smith | Costume Supervisor |
| Crew | William Conacher | Dialect Coach |
| Directing | Yasmin Hafesji | Assistant Director |
| Sound | Roman Lytwyniw | Music Director |
| Sound | Roman Lytwyniw | Musician |
| Sound | Anna Cooper | Musician |
| Sound | Niki Moosavi | Musician |
| Sound | Georgia Russell | Musician |
