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The fourth National Theatre Collection offers a dynamic selection of six performances to support study and research. Spanning 19th-century British classics and bold contemporary works from the U.S. and Wales, these productions explore powerful themes such as politics, family, immigration, and identity. Watch plays featuring Sharon D. Clarke, Ncuti Gatwa, Michael Sheen, Hugh Skinner, Giles Terera, Samira Wiley and many more.
This collection also includes our first piece of physical theatre, ideal for exploring movement-based narratives. Each production is accompanied by learning resources and exclusive behind-the-scenes content to help you explore literary themes, staging choices and much more.
Also available: National Theatre Collection 1, National Theatre Collection 2 and National Theatre Collection 3.
Audio-described (AD) and British Sign Language (BSL) versions of some films are available.
The Importance of Being Earnest
“You can’t help but think Wilde would be wild about this production.” The Guardian.
Max Webster directs a joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. Olivier Award-winner Sharon D. Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa and Hugh Skinner in this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance.
Blues For an Alabama Sky AD
New York, 1930. Following a decade of creative explosion, the Harlem Renaissance is starting to feel the bite of the Great Depression. In the face of hardship and dwindling opportunity, Angel and her friends battle to keep their artistic dreams alive. Lynette Linton directs a startling revival of this extraordinary play by Pearl Cleage in which Samira Wiley makes her UK stage debut.
The Boy with Two Hearts AD
When a young mother speaks out against the Taliban, she and her husband are forced to flee their home and country with their three sons. Embarking on a long and terrifying journey they seek final refuge in the UK. But as their eldest son’s life-threatening heart condition worsens, their escape becomes a race against time. Amit Sharma directs this powerful story of hope, courage, and humanity, based on extraordinary real-life experiences.
Ballet Shoes AD
In a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters – Pauline, Petrova and Posy – are learning who they are and what they want to be. But in a world that wasn’t built for women with big ambitions, can they forge a future? Katy Rudd directs, as Noel Streatfeild’s beloved novel is brought back to the Olivier Stage in this new version by Kendall Feaver.
Kin
In 1932, Leah and her family escaped persecution and embarked on a journey from Yemen to Palestine. Ninety years later, her grandson Amit Lahav reflects on that life-changing decision. This powerful piece by acclaimed physical theatre company Gecko is a provocative story of desperation, compassion and acceptance, inspired by the migration stories of Gecko’s international performers and Leah’s extraordinary journey.
Nye AD BSL
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan, often referred to as the politician with the greatest influence on the UK without ever having been Prime Minister. Nye’s deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey through his life, from childhood to mining, to Parliament and fights with Churchill, in an epic Welsh fantasia. Written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris.
The National Theatre performances are available to state-funded schools, sixth form colleges and FE colleges in the United Kingdom, free of charge. UK independent schools and schools worldwide can request a trial and subscribe for a fee to the collection through JCS Online Resources:info@jcsonlineresources.org.
You can find more resources for schools and teachers on the National Theatre’s Learning Hub. Search by key stage, subject, theatrical style or practitioner and discover an ever-growing library of short films, Learning Packs and digital exhibitions.
Find out more: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/learn-explore/schools/teacher-resources/
The National Theatre’s mission is to make world class theatre that is entertaining, challenging and inspiring – and we make it for everyone. The National Theatre Collection is available to state-funded schools and FE colleges in the United Kingdom free of charge, and for a fee to independent schools and HE institutions, bringing the very best of British theatre to teachers, students and learners worldwide. Here on Drama Online students can watch a range of extraordinary productions from Shakespeare and Greek tragedy to literary adaptations and classic comedies, all made by world-class theatre-makers. Students can also make use of the expanding bank of learning resources provided by the National Theatre, to help them dive deeper into the productions.
Based on our research, we know the National Theatre Collection is a valuable classroom resource, with 1.3 million pupils already utilising the Collection yearly. Our aim is that all children in the UK will have the opportunity to watch a National Theatre production before they leave school.
Lead philanthropic support from Richard and Kara Gnodde. NT Collection is made possible in primary schools by the Hearn Foundation, as the Principal Funder of the Primary Schools Programme. NT Collection is also supported by The Attwood Education Foundation, Delta Air Lines, Mike Staunton, The Michael Marks Charitable Trust, The Oakley Charitable Trust, and The Eyre Family Foundation. Creative Careers enabled by TikTok. New York City Public Schools access is generously supported by the Jerome L. Greene Foundation.
