The Motive and the Cue

An Eastbournian Society group of some 24 College friends went along to the hugely celebrated production of The Motive and the Cue at the Noel Coward Theatre. Taking up a few rows in the stalls, the group were treated to a tour de force of the best of West End theatre.

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.

With Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton, Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud, and Tuppence Middleton as Elizabeth Taylor, it offered a glimpse into the politics of a rehearsal room and the relationship between art and celebrity.

A ‘brilliant, compassionate new play’ (Financial Times) powered by ‘dazzling performances’ (Time Out).

How better to spend a wet February afternoon? Some of the group, clearly undaunted by the rain, were caught on camera by John Thornley,.

With seats at group-rate price, ES members are encouraged to join us on future theatre visits.