The Paul Greengrass Cinema, The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

Sam MendesdirectsJohnny Flynnas Richard Burton,Mark Gatissas John Gielgud andTuppence Middletonas Elizabeth Taylor, in this fierce and funny new play byJack Thorne, offering a glimpse into the politics of a rehearsal room and the relationship between art and celebrity.

1964: Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s exacting direction.

But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.

The hugely celebrated production ofThe Motive and the Cuetransfers to the West End this December for 15 weeks only, following a sold-out run at the National Theatre.