The Motive and the Cue

In 1964, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor starred in an experimental production of Hamlet, directed by John Gielgud. Jack Thorne's play The Motive and the Cue explores the politics of a rehearsal room and the relationship between art and celebrity, based on the real-life collaboration between Burton and Gielgud. The play premiered at the National Theatre in 2023 and was named Best Play at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 104 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2023
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

In 1964, the renowned Welsh actor Richard Burton, who had recently tied the knot with the iconic movie star Elizabeth Taylor, was set to take on the title role in an experimental production of Hamlet, directed by the esteemed John Gielgud. However, as the rehearsals unfolded, the harmonious collaboration between Burton and Gielgud began to fray. One was a movie star of unparalleled fame, while the other hailed from an era of theatrical patricianism. The stage was set for a clash of titans, two giants of the entertainment industry destined to collide.

Jack Thorne's play, The Motive and the Cue, is a searing and witty exploration of the politics within a rehearsal room and the intricate relationship between art and celebrity. This edition, published in conjunction with the West End transfer in 2023, follows its world premiere at the National Theatre, London, earlier that year. Originally commissioned and co-produced by Neal Street Productions, it was directed by the talented Sam Mendes, with Johnny Flynn taking on the role of Burton, Mark Gatiss portraying Gielgud, and Tuppence Middleton stepping into the shoes of Taylor. In 2023, the play garnered critical acclaim, earning it the prestigious title of Best Play at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards.

Dimension: 198 x 129 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839043116
Edition number: West End edition