National Theatre Live

National Theatre (NT) Live brings together old-world and new-world forms of entertainment with powerful results.

This initiative from the National Theatre has been broadcasting live theatre performances onto cinema screens across the UK and worldwide.

Cultural and economic benefits

As the government’s Digital Britain report highlighted, the creative industries and digital technologies will play a key role in the growth of the UK economy. NT Live is part of a series of work to find ways that digital technologies can support traditional creative industries and extend their audience reach.

Collaborating to reach new audiences

Through funding from NESTA and partnerships with the Picturehouse, Odeon and Cineworld chains, and several independent cinemas, NT Live has broadcast live performances in high definition to 60 cinemas across the UK and over 170 cinemas abroad including the USA, Canada, Australia, Scandinavia and Europe.

Lessons for the cultural sector

NESTA and the Arts Council have recently published a report which outlines the experience of NT Live and provides practical lessons and insights to others in the cultural sector.