MANILA, Philippines—Prepare for a cultural extravaganza as CCP National Theatre Live debuts nine world-class stage plays, broadcast live from some of Britain’s most iconic stages. This newly minted program by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) aims to provide a unique opportunity for Philippine audiences to experience the best of London’s National Theatre right on the big screen.

Launched in June 2009, National Theatre Live has been a groundbreaking project, delivering top-notch British theater directly from London to cinemas worldwide. Now, this exciting initiative is making its debut on Philippine shores, thanks to the collaboration between CCP, National Theatre Live, and Ayala Malls Cinema.

Running from September 26, 2023, to May 28, 2024, exclusively at Greenbelt cinemas, the first season promises a diverse lineup of digitally filmed plays, including “Life of Pi,” “Frankenstein,” “The Seagull,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” “The Crucible,” “Fleabag,” “Othello,” “King Lear,” and “Hamlet.” These productions capture the magic of live theater while optimizing the experience for the big screen.

“Life of Pi” kicks off the season on September 26, with a mesmerizing adaptation of Yann Martel’s best-selling novel, taking audiences on an epic journey of endurance and hope.

Image Courtesy of National Theatre Live.

On October 31, catch “Frankenstein,” directed by Academy Award-winner Danny Boyle and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, alternating between the roles of Victor Frankenstein and his creation.

Image Courtesy of National Theatre Live.

“Frankenstein” is followed by “The Seagull” on November 28, directed by Jamie Lloyd and featuring Emilia Clarke in her West End debut.

Image Courtesy of National Theatre Live.

December 19 brings “Much Ado About Nothing,” directed by Simon Godwin and set in a family-run hotel on the Italian Riviera, where love and scandal intertwine.

Image Courtesy of National Theatre Live.

Welcome the new year with “The Crucible” on January 24, 2024, a gripping parable of power and witch hunts, directed by Lyndsey Turner.

Image Courtesy of National Theatre Live.

“Fleabag,” premiering on February 27, 2024, offers a humorous yet profound glimpse into a woman’s unconventional life, performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Image Courtesy of National Theatre Live.

March 26, 2024, brings Shakespeare’s “Othello,” a contemporary production exploring love and racial tension, directed by Clint Dyer.

Image Courtesy of National Theatre Live.

On April 30, 2024, witness a contemporary retelling of “King Lear,” directed by Jonathan Munby and starring Sir Ian McKellen.

Image Courtesy of National Theatre Live.

Concluding the season on May 28, 2024, is “Hamlet,” featuring Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, directed by Lyndsey Turner.

Image Courtesy of National Theatre Live.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of London’s National Theatre on the big screen. All screenings are at 5:30 pm, exclusively at Greenbelt cinemas. Tickets are priced at Php 250.00 for regular admission and Php 150.00 for students, available at sureseats.com.

Stay updated on CCP National Theatre Live by following CCP’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Join us as we embark on this extraordinary journey through the world of British theater.