“Live” Theatre at the Cinema
Nicholas Hytner has announced the launch of NT Live, an initiative to broadcast live performances of plays into cinemas around the UK and internationally. The project launches with Phedre with Helen Mirren on 25th June. The performance will be filmed live in high definition and broadcast via satellite to approximately 50 venues across the UK, potentially reaching an audience of up to 10,000 people in a single evening. The National Theatre will work with the Picturehouse chain and a range of independent cinemas and arts centres. The ticket price is likely to be £10. 100 venues in the USA, Canada and Europe will also screen the performance on the same day. Cinema audiences will be able to watch backstage footage and interviews with artists.
Three further live broadcasts of NT productions are planned during the pilot season.
The performances will be nominated in advance to allow cameras greater freedom in the auditorium; ticket prices for what will, in effect, be a studio audience, will be adjusted accordingly.
Further details will be published on the National Theatre’s On tour, West End and NT Live page.
Nick Hytner comments: “Our objective with NT Live is greater access. The National Theatre’s mission as a public institution is to reach as many people as we can. While we pursue an extensive touring programme, NT Live will increase access to our work across the UK and internationally. It is an experiment but we have to try it. I am thrilled that Helen Mirren has agreed to support our first venture.”
So, what do you think? Will “live” theatre at the cinema be a success or not?
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