Beautiful Thing (2013)
A landmark LGBT love story comes to life in this filmed 20th anniversary stage production of Jonathan Harvey's cherished play.
Beautiful Thing - Movie Information
- Original Title: Beautiful Thing
- Release Year: 2013
- Directed by: Robert Delamere
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
- Alternative Titles: Digital Theatre: Beautiful Thing (UK)
Beautiful Thing - Plot
This 20th anniversary production of Jonathan Harvey's play about two working class teenage boys falling in love on a south east London council estate was captured by Digital Theatre live at the Arts Theatre in London's Leicester Square.
Beautiful Thing - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for this intimate, heartfelt production:
A love story.
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Beautiful Thing - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert Delamere
Main Cast
- Jake Davies
- Danny-Boy Hatchard
- Suranne Jones
- Zaraah Abrahams
- Oliver Farnworth
Producers
- Tom O'Connell
- Adam Newland
- Tom Shaw
- Jack Macdonald
Beautiful Thing - FAQs
What is Beautiful Thing about?
Beautiful Thing is Jonathan Harvey's tender, warmly funny play about two working-class teenage boys, Jamie and Ste, who discover love on a south east London council estate. Captured live at the Arts Theatre in London, this 20th anniversary production celebrates a coming-of-age story that has resonated with audiences for decades.
Is Beautiful Thing based on a true story?
Beautiful Thing isn't based on a specific true story, but playwright Jonathan Harvey drew on his own experiences growing up gay in working-class south London to craft the play. Its emotional authenticity has always been one of its greatest strengths, making it feel deeply personal and real to audiences worldwide.
Who are the main actors in Beautiful Thing?
The cast features Jake Davies as Jamie and Danny-Boy Hatchard as Ste, the two teenage boys at the heart of the story. Suranne Jones brings warmth and humour to Sandra, Jamie's mum, while Zaraah Abrahams plays neighbour Leah and Oliver Farnworth appears as Tony.
Is Beautiful Thing a stage play or a film?
Beautiful Thing is a filmed theatre production — a live stage performance captured by Digital Theatre at the Arts Theatre in London's Leicester Square. It's a 20th anniversary staging of Jonathan Harvey's celebrated play, so you get the intimacy and energy of live theatre combined with the accessibility of a screen recording.
Who directed the 2013 Beautiful Thing production?
Robert Delamere directed this 2013 stage production of Beautiful Thing. The performance was recorded live for Digital Theatre, preserving the production for audiences who couldn't catch it in person at the Arts Theatre in London's Leicester Square.
What themes does Beautiful Thing explore?
At its core, Beautiful Thing is a coming-of-age love story exploring gay identity, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to be yourself. Set against the backdrop of a working-class London council estate, it also touches on family dynamics, friendship, and the universal longing to belong and be loved.
How long is the Beautiful Thing 2013 production?
The 2013 Digital Theatre recording of Beautiful Thing runs for 1 hour and 54 minutes. That's a generous runtime for a stage production, giving the story plenty of room to breathe and letting the performances really land with the emotional weight they deserve.
What are similar films to Beautiful Thing?
If Beautiful Thing moves you, you might also enjoy Young Hearts (2024), Your Name Engraved Herein (2020), Ideal Home (2018), Just Friends (2019), or As You Are (2016). For something with a similar gritty, intimate feel, Redwoods (2009), The Mudge Boy (2003), and Like Grains of Sand (1995) are also worth exploring.
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