The popular series of live productions from the National Theatre and Royal Opera House is returning to The Beehive this autumn.
The series of National Theatre Live runs from 8 September through to 23 February and includes plays from William Shakespeare, Arthur Miller, and Anton Chekov.
National Theatre Live
8 September: Much Ado About Nothing – William Shakespeare
Directed by Simon Godwin and featuring Katherine Parkinson and John Heffernan, this is Shakespeare’s romcom of sun, sea, and mistaken identity.
Set in the Italian Riveria, a string of deceptions surround a newly-wedded couple as well as the single Beatrice and Benedick.
6 October: Jack Absolute Flies Again – Richard Bean & Oliver Chris
Based on Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The Rivals, this play sees pilot officer Jack flying to Britain to win the heart of an old flame. Back home things don’t go according to plan when young heiress Lydia sets her own demands to be loved in a particular way.
Directed by Emily Burns and featuring Caroline Quentin, Laurie Davidson, Natalie Simpson, and Kelvin Fletcher.
10 November: The Seagull – Anton Chekov, in a version by Anya Reiss
Games of Thrones actor Emilia Clarke makes her West End debut in Chekov’s tale of love and loneliness. Directed by Jamie Lloyd the story focuses on an isolated country home where hopes, hearts, and dreams lie in tatters.
Featuring a cast including Tom Rhys Harries, Daniel Monks, Sophie Wu, and Indira Varma.
26 January: The Crucible – Arthur Miller
A contemporary staging of Miller’s famous play based on the 17th-century Salem witch trials. No one is safe as a group of young women find power through their words and spread fear throughout the community.
Directed by Lyndsey Turns and starring Erin Doherty and Brendan Cowell.
23 February: Othello – William Shakespeare
Clint Dyer directs a new production of Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy. Marrying in secret Desdemona and Othello yearn to live their new life together. But outside forces mean their future is not in their control.
Filmed on the Littleton stage at the National Theatre the play features a cast including Giles Terera, Rosy McEwen, and Paul Hilton.
All performances begin at 7pm.
Royal Opera House
There are three performances from the Royal Opera House:
29 September: Madama Butterfly: 7.15pm
Giacomo Puccini’s opera tells the story of unrequited love between young geisha Cio-Cio-San and American naval officer Pinkerton who find that words and actions can lead to devastating consequences.
Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s production is inspired by 19th-century European images of Japan.
Sung in Italian with English subtitles.
13 October: Aida: 6.45pm
Director Robert Carsen places Verdi’s political drama within a contemporary world of a modern, totalitarian state, highlighting power struggles and toxic jealousies.
As kidnapped Princess Aida and ambitious solder Radames become close they must wrestle between loyalty to their home and their love for one another.
Sung in Italian with English subtitles.
20 October: La Boheme: 7.15pm
Another love story from Giacomo Puccini, this time set in Paris, where penniless writer Rodolfo falls in love with lonely seamstress Mimi. While their love grows, fades, and is rekindled over the months a greater force threatens their love.
Director Richard Jones’s production recreates the contrasts of Parisian life, from Bohemian apartments to glittering arcades.
Sung in Italian with English subtitles.
For all the latest information on different events head over to the Beehive website.
