National Theatre Live unveils 2026 cinema screening plans including Nicola Coughlan, Aidan Turner and Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren in The Audience, Aidan Turner and Lesley Manville in Les Liaisons Dangereuses and the cast of Playboy of the Western World, © Johan Persson, Alexandre Blossard and Josh Shinner
National Theatre Live has confirmed three titles for its 2026 cinema programme, joining the previously announced Hamlet.
The slate includes new captures of The Playboy of the Western World and Les Liaisons Dangereuses from the Lyttelton stage, as well as the UK-only return of The Audience, recorded during its original West End run.
The Audience returns to cinemas on 26 February 2026. Helen Mirren appears as Queen Elizabeth II in Peter Morgan’s play, directed by Stephen Daldry and recorded live in 2013. The production, presented by Matthew Byam Shaw for Playful Productions, Robert Fox and Andy Harries, became one of the most-watched NT Live broadcasts following its original release. The play follows the weekly private meetings between the Queen and her prime ministers, from Winston Churchill through to David Cameron.
From 28 May 2026, NT Live will release John Millington Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World, directed by Caitriona McLaughlin, artistic director of the Abbey Theatre. Nicola Coughlan, Éanna Hardwicke and Siobhán McSweeney lead the cast. The production is being filmed during its run in the Lyttelton, which continues until 28 February 2026. The play centres on Pegeen Flaherty and the arrival of Christy Mahon, who claims to have killed his father and is unexpectedly celebrated by the local community until another figure appears.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses will follow on 25 June 2026. Lesley Manville, Aidan Turner and Monica Barbaro appear in Christopher Hampton’s adaptation of the Laclos novel, directed by Marianne Elliott, returning to the National Theatre for the first time in nine years. The production runs in the Lyttelton from 21 March to 6 June 2026 before its NT Live release. The story focuses on the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, whose partnership unravels into conflict.
These releases join Hamlet, directed by National Theatre deputy artistic director Robert Hastie and led by Hiran Abeysekera in the title role. Captured during its autumn run, the production will open the 2026 NT Live season in cinemas on 22 January.
Tickets go on sale today.
