See Daniel Radcliffe in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead and Renée Fleming in Der Rosenkavalier
With the likes of Daniel Radcliffe and Jude Law gracing the world of theatre with their presence, now is as good a time as any to catch one of the many major productions on offer in London and beyond. But for those not fortunate enough to live in close proximity to places like the National Theatre, event cinema is a godsend, giving you the chance to see the best theatre, opera and ballet out there from the comfort of your local cinema. We've rounded up some event cinema from this season to give you a heads up on the many fantastic productions to keep an eye out for.
National Theatre Live: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead
Tom Stoppard's existential tragicomedy first premiered at The Old Vic 50 years ago, which makes this new production at the same venue all the more special. The play centres on two minor characters from Hamlet as the drama of Shakespeare's tragedy unfolds in the background. David Leveaux's production sees Daniel Radcliffe and Joshua McGuire take on the title roles as the hilarious double act of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, select cinemas, Thu 20 Apr.
Royal Ballet:Jewels
George Balanchine's Jewels was first performed in 1967 by New York City Ballet and is often described as the first abstract three-act ballet. Each movement is named after a stone, using music by varying composers to depict different periods in the history of ballet, as well as in the choreographer's own life. The first act 'Emeralds' makes use of the music of Fauré, while second act 'Rubies' features Stravinsky's Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra. The third act 'Diamonds' calls on the majestic Third Symphony by Tchaikovsky for its finale. With the ballet celebrating its 50th anniversary, this new production highlights the glitz and elegance of Balanchine's creation. Jewels, select cinemas, Tue 11 Apr & Sun 16 Apr
Royal Opera: Otello
Verdi's penultimate opera and final tragedy is a retelling of Shakespeare's Othello, in which the title character is consumed by his own jealously, resulting in death, betrayal and revenge. World-renowned tenor Jonas Kaufmann makes his role debut in this Royal Opera production directed by Olivier Award-winning Keith Warner, with Ludovic Tézier playing the dastardly Iago. Otello, select cinemas, Wed 28 Jun & Sun 2 Jul
Royal Shakespeare Company: Julius Caesar
Shakespeare's famous political thriller tells the story of the assassination of Julius Caesar and the eventual defeat of those that conspired against him. The play is brought to life by BAFTA-nominated Angus Jackson, who previously directed Tom Morton-Smith's Oppenheimer and James Fenton's adaptation of Don Quixote, with Andrew Woodall taking on the titular role and Alex Waldmann as the honourable Brutus. Opening the RSC's Rome season, Julius Caesar will be broadcast from Stratford-upon-Avon but will then transfer to the Barbican for a limited run from 24 Nov 2017 to 20 Jan 2018. Julius Caesar, select cinemas, Wed 26 Jun
Met Opera: Der Rosenkavalier
American soprano Renée Fleming stars as Marschallin alongside Elīna Garanča's Octavian in Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. Considered one of his most popular works, the comic opera follows an aristocratic woman and her much younger lover, who falls for the rich and beautiful Sophie, resulting in a complex love triangle. First performed in Dresden in 1911, this new production is directed by Robert Carsen, who was also recently behind the Met's successful staging of Falstaff. Der Rosenkavalier, select cinemas, Sat 13 May.
A three-act ballet created for the New York City Ballet by founding choreographer George Balanchine. It has three related movements: Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds and the dancers are dressed like jewels.
World-famous tenor Jonas Kaufmann makes his role debut as Otello in Verdi's passionate retelling of Shakespeare's great tragedy of jealousy, deception and murder.
Daniel Radcliffe, Joshua McGuire and David Haig star in Tom Stoppard's situation comedy, broadcast live from The Old Vic theatre in London. David Leveaux's new production marks the 50th anniversary of the play that made a young Tom Stoppard's name overnight.
Stage adaptation of Luchino Visconti’s 1943 film broadcast live from the Barbican Theatre. Jude Law stars as Gino, whose fiery affair with Giovanna leads to a murder plot which threatens to tear them apart.
Cast: Imelda Staunton, Conleth Hill, Luke Treadaway, Imogen Poots
UK release: 18 May 2017
Martha and George are a bitter married couple who have a charged relationship, fuelled by their excessive consumption of alcohol. When Martha invites the new professor of the college and his wife for some after-party drinks, the young couple are caught up in Martha and George's games, leading to some devastating truths.
