Sam Mendes directs a startling play on the making of Burton and Gielgud’s Hamlet. 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 play by Jack Thorne offers a glimpse into the politics of a rehearsal room and the relationship between art and celebrity. Sam Mendes directs Johnny Flynn as Burton, Mark Gatiss as Gielgud and Tuppence Middleton as Taylor. Played on the big screen following a live recording at the National Theatre.
