Albion (2020)
Mike Bartlett's celebrated tragicomic play, filmed live at London's Almeida Theatre, exploring Englishness, grief, and the weight of personal dreams.
Albion - Movie Information
Albion - Plot
Mike Bartlett's play Albion, directed for the stage by Rupert Goold, is a tragicomic drama about national identity, family, passion and the disappointment of personal dreams. Filmed at London's Almeida Theatre, the play is set in the garden of an English country house. The house has been bought by successful businesswoman Audrey Walters, who intends to restore the ruined garden to its former glory and create a memorial to the son she recently lost in a foreign war.
Albion - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at this compelling theatrical production:
Where to Watch Albion
Looking for where to watch Albion?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Albion - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rupert Goold
- Rhodri Huw
Main Cast
- Victoria Hamilton
- Nigel Betts
- Edyta Budnik
- Wil Coban
- Angel Coulby
- Daisy Edgar-Jones
- Dónal Finn
- Nicholas Rowe
Writers
- Mike Bartlett
Albion - FAQs
What is Albion (2020) about?
Albion follows Audrey Walters, a driven businesswoman who buys an English country house and sets out to restore its ruined garden as a memorial to her son, killed in a foreign war. Mike Bartlett's tragicomic play weaves together themes of national identity, grief, family tension, and the fragility of personal dreams.
Who are the main actors in Albion?
Victoria Hamilton leads the cast as Audrey Walters, joined by Daisy Edgar-Jones as Zara, Angel Coulby as Anna, Dónal Finn as Gabriel, Nigel Betts as Edward, Edyta Budnik as Krystyna, Wil Coban as James, and Nicholas Rowe. It's a richly assembled ensemble bringing Bartlett's characters vividly to life.
Is Albion based on a stage play?
Yes, Albion is a filmed recording of Mike Bartlett's acclaimed stage production, directed by Rupert Goold at London's Almeida Theatre. Rather than a traditional film adaptation, it captures the live theatrical experience, preserving the energy and intimacy of the original stage performance for home audiences.
Who directed Albion (2020)?
Albion was directed by Rupert Goold, who also helmed the original Almeida Theatre stage production, and Rhodri Huw, who handled the screen direction for the filmed version. The collaboration brings a strong theatrical vision to the BBC broadcast, staying faithful to Bartlett's original dramatic intent.
What themes does Albion explore?
At its heart, Albion grapples with Englishness and what it means to belong to a nation in flux. It also digs into grief, maternal ambition, generational conflict, and the gap between idealism and reality — all set against the evocative backdrop of a crumbling English country garden waiting to be reclaimed.
What genre is Albion (2020)?
Albion is a tragicomedy — a Drama and Comedy hybrid — originally produced as a stage play and broadcast as a TV Movie. It blends sharp wit with genuine emotional weight, moving fluidly between moments of dark humour and profound sadness in the way that only the best British theatre tends to do.
How long is Albion (2020)?
Albion runs for 2 hours and 48 minutes — a substantial runtime that reflects its origins as a full-length stage production. The length gives the story room to breathe, allowing characters and relationships to develop with the depth and complexity that Mike Bartlett's writing demands.
What are some movies similar to Albion?
If you enjoyed Albion, you might also appreciate American Son (2019), Happy New Year Colin Burstead (2018), and Natale in casa Cupiello (2020) — all filmed stage or theatrical productions exploring family dynamics with emotional depth. Julia(s) (2022) and Juniper (2021) also share that intimate, character-driven dramatic quality.
More About Albion
Explore further details about Albion on these trusted resources: