The Motive and The Cue Tickets

The Motive and The Cue is a fresh new play by Jack Thorne, co-produced with Neal Street Productions with Sam Mendes in the director’s chair. Described as a 'startling new take on the making of Burton and Gielgud’s infamous 1964 version of Hamlet, it reveals the reasoning behind the world’s best-loved movie star’s decision to get involved in such a well-known play, and explores why audiences love to come back to see the same play time after time.

On at the Lyttelton Theatre at the National Theatre on South Bank until 15th July 2023, it then transfers to the West End’s Noël Coward Theatre from 9th December to 23rd March, on a strictly limited 15-week run.

So what are the reviews saying? The Financial Times calls it ‘brilliant’ and gives it five stars. Five star reviews also come from Broadway World (‘an undeniably brilliant tour de force’) and there’s a four star review from the Telegraph, which calls it a ‘palpable hit’. The Times says it’s ‘Immaculate’, just a few of the many accolades the play has received.

Mendes directs Johnny Flynn as Burton, Mark Gatiss as Gielgud and Tuppence Middleton as Taylor. The rest of the cast comprises Aaron Anthony, Tom Babbage, Allan Corduner, Janie Dee, Elena Delia, Ryan Ellsworth, Mark Extance, Phoebe Horn, Aysha Kala, Luke Norris, Huw Parmenter, David Ricardo-Pearce, David Tarkenter, Kate Tydman, Laurence Ubong Williams, and Michael Walters.

What's the plot of The Motive and The Cue?

The Motive and the Cue is inspired by ‘Letters from an Actor’ by William Redfield and ‘John Gielgud Directs Richard Burton in Hamlet’ by Richard L. Stern.

Richard Burton has just married Liz Taylor. He’s due to play the title role in an experimental new production of Hamlet, directed by John Gielgud. As the rehearsals begin, it’s clear that two very different ages of theatre are clashing. The collaboration between Burton and his director soon goes wrong and the result is ‘fierce and funny’, giving us a hugely entertaining glimpse into the politics of rehearsals and the strange relationship between art and celebrity.

The creative team involves the Set Designer Es Devlin, Costume Designer Katrina Lindsay, Lighting Designer Jon Clark, Composer Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, and the Sound Designer Paul Arditti. The casting is from Alastair Coomer CDG and Naomi Downham. The Associate Director is Zoé Ford Burnett, the Associate Set Designer is Amalie White, and the Staff Director is Yasmin Hafesji.

Who is The Motive and The Cue for?

The play includes strong language and adult themes, and there’s some bright lighting. The plot is for people who love the theatre and are fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes.