National Theatre Live: King Lear

Saturday, August 24 - Monday, August 26, 2024

SHOWTIMES AT IFC CENTER

Broadcast live from London’s West End, see Ian McKellen’s ‘extraordinarily moving portrayal’ (Independent) of KING LEAR in cinemas.

Chichester Festival Theatre’s production received five-star reviews for its sell-out run, and transfers to the West End for a limited season.  Jonathan Munby directs this ‘nuanced and powerful’ (The Times) contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s tender, violent, moving and shocking play.

Considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written, KING LEAR sees two ageing fathers – one a King, one his courtier – reject the children who truly love them.  Their blindness unleashes a tornado of pitiless ambition and treachery, as family and state are plunged into a violent power struggle with bitter ends.

“Ian McKellen reigns supreme in this triumphant production.” — Daily Telegraph

Screening as part of National Theatre Live: Summer 2024

  • Country UK
  • Year 2018
  • Running Time 227 minutes
  • Format DCP
  • Distributor National Theatre Live
  • Director Jonathan Munby
  • Writer William Shakespeare
  • Cast Ian McKellen, Sinead Cusack, Danny Webb, Kirsty Bushell

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