The Motive and the Cue

By Jack Thorne
Originally produced at National Theatre, London, England
April 20 - June 10, 2023

Synopsis: Sam Mendes directs a startling new play on the making of Burton and Gielgud’s Hamlet. Why would the most famous movie star in the world choose to do a play which everyone already knows? And what lures us back to the same plays, year after year? Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new 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. This fierce and funny new play by Jack Thorne offers a glimpse into the politics of a rehearsal room and the relationship between art and celebrity.

Artistic Statement: Coming soon!
Grant Statement: Coming soon!

Writer Jack Thorne
Director Sam Mendes
Scenic Designer Es Devlin
Costume Designer Katrina Lindsay
Lighting Designer Jon Clark
Sound Designer Paul Arditti
Composer Benjamin Kwasi Burrell
Video Designer Luke Halls
Casting Alastair Coomer CDG
Casting Naomi Downham
Associate Director Zoé Ford Burnett
Staff Director Yasmin Hafesji

Cast
Allan Corduner
Ryan Ellsworth
Johnny Flynn
Mark Gatiss
Aysha Kala
Tuppence Middleton
Luke Norris
Michael Walters
Laurence Ubong Williams

Awards and Nominations:

WhatsOnStage Awards, 2024

Best New Play (nominated)
Best Direction - Sam Mendes (nominated)
Best Casting Direction - Alastair Coomer & Naomi Downham (nominated)

Olivier Awards, 2024

Best New Play (nominated)
Best Actor - Mark Gatiss (won)
Best Director - Sam Mendes (nominated)

Critics Circle Theatre Awards, 2024

Best New Play (won)

Evening Standard Awards, 2023

Best Play (won)