The Motive and the Cue

The Motive and the Cue. A 2023 play by Jack Thorne, it dramatizes the fraught 1964 rehearsals for a Broadway production of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, directed by and starring John Gielgud and featuring Richard Burton in the title role. The play explores the intense creative clash between the two theatrical titans, set against the backdrop of Elizabeth Taylor and Burton's sensationalized romance. It premiered at the National Theatre in London before transferring to the Noël Coward Theatre in the West End.

Background and development

Jack Thorne wrote the play after extensively researching the historical rehearsal period, drawing on materials such as Richard L. Sterne's book John Gielgud Directs Richard Burton in Hamlet. The production was commissioned by the National Theatre and developed under the artistic direction of Rufus Norris. Thorne's script focuses on the generational and methodological conflict between the classically trained John Gielgud and the fiery, Method-influenced Richard Burton, set during a pivotal moment in 20th-century theatre. The play's title is derived from a line in Hamlet, specifically from the "rogue and peasant slave" soliloquy in Act 2.

Plot summary

The narrative unfolds in New York City in 1964, primarily within the rehearsal rooms for a production of Hamlet at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. It chronicles the increasingly tense relationship between director John Gielgud, who seeks a traditional, poetic interpretation, and star Richard Burton, who is determined to bring a raw, modern sensibility to the Prince of Denmark. The drama is compounded by the intrusive presence of the paparrazi and Elizabeth Taylor, whose marriage to Burton fuels a relentless media circus. Key scenes depict rehearsals of famous passages like the "To be, or not to be" soliloquy and the closet scene, using them to mirror the off-stage conflicts.

Cast and characters

In the original National Theatre and West End production, Johnny Flynn portrayed Richard Burton, capturing his Welsh magnetism and turbulent energy. Mark Gatiss played John Gielgud, embodying the actor-manager's elegance and deep connection to Shakespearean theatre. Tuppence Middleton took the role of Elizabeth Taylor, highlighting her Hollywood glamour and complex support of Burton. The ensemble included Allan Corduner as Hume Cronyn, who played Polonius in the original production, and other actors portraying figures like William Redfield and Alfred Drake. The cast performed under the direction of Sam Mendes.

Production and staging

The play was directed by Sam Mendes for its premiere at the Lyttelton Theatre within the National Theatre complex. The production design by Es Devlin featured a versatile, rotating set that evoked both rehearsal spaces and the opulent interiors of the Regency Hotel. Lighting design by Jon Clark and sound design by Paul Arditti helped transition between intimate dramatic scenes and the spectacle of 1960s Broadway. The production notably incorporated archival footage and photography from the era, including images by Lord Snowdon. It later transferred to the Noël Coward Theatre in the West End.

Critical reception

The play received widespread critical acclaim upon its opening. Reviewers in The Guardian and The Times praised Jack Thorne's intelligent script and the masterful performances, particularly highlighting the dynamic between Johnny Flynn and Mark Gatiss. Sam Mendes's direction was lauded for its clarity and theatricality by publications like The Telegraph and The Stage. Some commentary in The New York Times noted the play's insightful examination of artistic process and the nature of celebrity. The production was consistently described as a highlight of the London theatre season.

Awards and nominations

The production garnered several major award nominations. At the 2024 Laurence Olivier Awards, it received nominations including Best New Play, Best Actor for Johnny Flynn, and Best Actor for Mark Gatiss. Tuppence Middleton was nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The play also earned nominations at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards and the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards. Its success contributed to significant recognition for the creative team, including Sam Mendes and Es Devlin. Category:2023 plays Category:British plays Category:Plays set in New York City Category:Plays about theatre