NT Live: King Lear
Play Trailer

Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes (Skyfall, American Beauty) returns to the National Theatre to direct Simon Russell Beale (Timon of Athens, Collaborators) in the title role of Shakespeare’s tragedy.

An aged king decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, according to which of them is most eloquent in praising him. His favourite, Cordelia, says nothing. Lear’s world descends into chaos.

Daily Express, Evening Standard, Metro

Daily Telegraph, Guardian, Independent, Mail on Sunday, Observer, The Times, Time Out

‘Riveting. Simon Russell Beale is extraordinary’ - Daily Express

‘Simon Russell Beale is magnetic. An exceptional production.’ - Guardian

‘The cast is beyond superlative. A literally awe-inspiring production.’ - Time Out

‘Genuinely gripping.’ - Daily Telegraph