You can watch Dame Helen Mirren performing live in Stratford-upon-Avon on June 25, but it’s not because she is returning to the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The venue will be the Stratford Picture House, which is one of around 50 cinemas nationwide taking part in a new initiative from the National Theatre which will soon see live performances from its stages being broadcast in high definition around the world.
Called NT Live, the new scheme is being launched with a four-production pilot season, led by Racine’s Phedre in a version by the late Ted Hughes, featuring Helen Mirren, Margaret Tyzack and Dominic Cooper. The other three productions have yet to be announced but will reflect the National’s diverse programming.
Other cinemas showing the broadcast on June 25 include two more in the West Midlands, at Coventry (Warwick Arts Centre) and Shrewsbury. Tickets cost £10.
As well as the performance, the broadcast will feature a glimpse behind the scenes and interviews with artists.
Nicholas Hytner, artistic director of the National Theatre, commented: “I grew up in Manchester in the 60s. If I had been able to see Olivier’s National Theatre at my local cinema, I would have gone all of the time.”
The National Theatre’s scheme is part of a growing movement towards expanding the audiences for arts events by broadcasting them to cinemas.
The Stratford Picture House, which is part of the City Screen chain, has already established itself as a venue for broadcasts of opera and ballet from the Metropolitan in New York and the Royal Opera House.
It is also hosting a live broadcast of Handel’s Messiah, featuring the Choir of King’s College and the Academy of Ancient Music, on April 5, Palm Sunday.
Forthcoming attractions include La Cenerentola from the Met on May 9, the Royal Ballet in Ondine on June 9 and La Traviata from the Royal Opera House on June 30.
