National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar (2018)
Nicholas Hytner's electrifying, immersive staging of Shakespeare's political tragedy, captured live from London's Bridge Theatre.
National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar - Movie Information
- Original Title: National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Tony Grech-Smith
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 2h 18m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 22, 2018 (Russia)
- Alternative Titles: The Tragedie Of Ivlivs Cæsar (UK), Юлий Цезарь: Бен Уишоу (RU)
- Production Companies: National Theatre, Bridge Theatre
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar - Plot
Caesar returns in triumph to Rome and the people pour out of their homes to celebrate. Alarmed by the autocrat's popularity, the educated élite conspire to bring him down. After his assassination, civil war erupts on the streets of the capital. Nicholas Hytner's production will thrust the audience into the street party that greets Caesar's return, the congress that witnesses his murder, the rally that assembles for his funeral and the chaos that explodes in its wake.
National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar - Trailer
See the drama unfold in the official trailer for this landmark production:
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National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tony Grech-Smith
Main Cast
- David Calder
- Michelle Fairley
- David Morrissey
- Ben Whishaw
- Wendy Kweh
- Leaphia Darko
- Fred Fergus
- Kit Young
- Mark Penfold
- Adjoa Andoh
Producers
- Flo Buckeridge
- Kate Moore
National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar - FAQs
What is National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar about?
This filmed stage production follows Caesar's triumphant return to Rome and the conspiracy that follows. The educated élite, fearing his growing power, plot his assassination — and the chaos that erupts afterward tears the city apart. Nicholas Hytner's immersive production places the audience right in the heart of the action.
What makes this production of Julius Caesar unique?
Nicholas Hytner's staging at the Bridge Theatre is genuinely immersive — the audience is thrust into the crowd at Caesar's return, witnesses his murder up close, and stands amid the chaos of the funeral rally. It's Shakespeare reimagined as a visceral, modern political thriller rather than a traditional proscenium production.
Where can you watch National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar?
You can check current streaming and rental options for National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country, so it's worth checking for the latest options.
Who plays Brutus and Cassius in this production?
Ben Whishaw takes on the role of Marcus Brutus, bringing a thoughtful, conflicted intensity to the part, while Michelle Fairley plays Caius Cassius with fierce conviction. David Calder portrays Julius Caesar himself, and David Morrissey delivers a commanding Mark Antony.
Who are the main cast members in this film?
The ensemble is led by David Calder, Michelle Fairley, David Morrissey, and Ben Whishaw. They're joined by Adjoa Andoh as Casca, Leaphia Darko as Portia, Kit Young as Octavius Caesar, Wendy Kweh as Calpurnia, Mark Penfold as the Soothsayer, and Fred Fergus rounding out the cast.
Is National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar worth watching?
Absolutely. Critics praised the production for its urgent, politically charged energy and outstanding performances — particularly Ben Whishaw's nuanced Brutus and Michelle Fairley's steely Cassius. Hytner's immersive direction transforms Shakespeare's text into something that feels startlingly contemporary and impossible to look away from.
How does this production connect to modern politics?
Hytner's staging deliberately echoes today's political climate — the populist spectacle of Caesar's return, the elite's fear of mob rule, and the dangerous power of public rhetoric all resonate with contemporary audiences. Mark Antony's funeral speech, in particular, plays out like a modern political rally with chilling effect.
Where was this National Theatre Live production filmed?
The production was filmed live at the Bridge Theatre in London — the National Theatre's purpose-built venue that opened in 2017. The Bridge's flexible layout was key to Hytner's immersive staging, allowing the audience to stand on the floor level and be surrounded by the action.
More About National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar
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