| The Motive and the Cue | |
|---|---|
 West End Promotional Poster | |
| Written by | Jack Thorne |
| Directed by | Sam Mendes |
| Date premiered | 21 April 2023 |
| Place premiered | National Theatre London |
| Original language | English |
| Subject | History, Acting, Shakespeare |
| Genre | Drama |
| Setting | 1960s New York City |
The Motive and the Cue is a play written by Jack Thorne. The production, directed by Sam Mendes, premiered on 21 April 2023 at the National Theatre in London. The play revolves around the history behind the 1964 Broadway modern-dress production of William Shakespeare's Hamlet starring Richard Burton in a production directed by Sir John Gielgud. As rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.[1][2] The original cast includes Johnny Flynn as Burton, Mark Gatiss as Gielgud, and Tuppence Middleton as Elizabeth Taylor.[3]
- ^ "The Motive and the Cue". National Theatre. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "Breaking Baz: West End Hitmaker Sam Mendes Is Right On Cue With Richard Burton, John Gielgud & Elizabeth Taylor In London's Hottest New Play; Take That Pray 'Greatest Days' Film Will Shine". Deadline Hollywood. 10 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "Sam Mendes Casts Johnny Flynn, Tuppence Middleton & Mark Gatiss As Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor & John Gielgud In Hot New Play". Deadline Hollywood. 22 November 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2023.