{post_title} at the Noël Coward Theatre | {site_name} (2024)

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Sam Mendes directs Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton, Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud and Tuppence Middleton as Elizabeth Taylor, in this fierce and funny new play by Jack Thorne, offering a glimpse into the politics of a rehearsal room and the relationship between art and celebrity.

1964: Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s exacting direction.

But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.

The hugely celebrated production of The Motive and the Cue transfers to the West End this December for 15 weeks only, following a sold-out run at the National Theatre.

The Motive and the Cueis inspired byLetters from an Actorby William Redfield andJohn Gielgud Directs Richard Burton in Hamlet by Richard L. Sterne.

7 Reviews

Nominated for three Olivier Awards 2024 including:

• Best New Play
• Best Actor – Mark Gatiss
• Best Director – Sam Mendes

Play Video

Watch the trailer

Play Video

Portrait gallery

Photos by Michael Wharley

Suitability

Please note: This production contains strong language and adult themes, with some bright lighting. E-cigarettes are smoked onstage in this production.

Supporters

Supported by Mark Pigott KBE, KStJ, The Polonsky Foundation, Lawton W Fitt & James I McLaren Foundation, Dr Abe Peled, Monica Gerard-Sharp and Ali Wambold and Rosetrees Trust.

This play is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Plays Award.

This production is supported by the National Theatre’s Official Hotel Partner Edwardian Hotels.

All bookings are handled by the Noel Coward Theatre Box Office

Tickets from £20

Groups rate

10+ tickets
Monday – Thursday performances
Bands A and B – £50 (£48.50 + £1.50)
Excluding performances in the weeks beginning 25 December, 1 January and 12 February
A maximum of 50-60 tickets per performance.
Delfont Mackintosh Group booking information

Schools rate

10+ tickets
Band C – £25 (£23.50 + £1.50)
A free teacher ticket is available for every 10 paid tickets ordered (11 tickets for the price of 10).
Excluding performances in the weeks beginning 25 December, 1 January and 12 February
A maximum of 50-60 tickets per performance.
Delfont Mackintosh Schools booking information

Group and Education phone enquiries: 0344 482 5100 (Calls to Delfont Mackintosh Theatres’ 03 numbers cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number).

BSL Interpreted performance

Saturday 3 February at 2pm

Audio-Described performances

Thursday 29 February at 7.30pm
Saturday 16 March at 2pm

Captioned performances

Tuesday 20 February at 7.30pm
Saturday 9 March at 2pm

Access tickets are bookable via Delfont Mackintosh only.

Email: access@delfontmackintosh.co.uk

Phone the Access booking line: 0344 482 5137 (open 10am – 6pm daily, excluding Bank Holidays).

Artwork photography by Michael Wharley