![Hollywood’s Gilded Power Duo Taylor and Burton Brought to the Stage in ‘The Motive and the Cue’ 2 urlhttps3A2F2Fassets.apnews.com2Fb82F942F3a2858ccca51f8147f2898916f562F79f7185ebced4ab2ac78676e67531014](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/urlhttps3A2F2Fassets.apnews.com2Fb82F942F3a2858ccca51f8147f2898916f562F79f7185ebced4ab2ac78676e67531014.jpeg?w=1170)
Within the vibrant heart of LONDON (AP), ‘The Motive and the Cue’ presents a tantalizing tale of a duo that embodied the quintessence of a Hollywood golden couple, captivating global audiences.
The magnetic allure of luminaries like Harry and Meghan, William and Kate, or Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce pales in comparison to the seismic influence of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton—a relationship that once scorched the annals of tabloid journalism.
As Mark Gatiss encapsulates, portraying a character in the acclaimed staging of “The Motive and the Cue,” these stars were akin to deities in an era that predated today’s hyper-connected society. “They were absolutely majestic,” he explains. “The public was captivated by every nuance of their lives, especially their notorious separations.”
The theatrical piece is enjoying its success with two sold-out engagements in London, and gears are set in motion for it to grace the silver screen. As part of the prestigious National Theatre Live program, moviegoers in the UK and beyond will be delighted come Thursday.
The production navigates the tumultuous journey behind the 1964 Broadway rendition of “Hamlet,” with Burton embracing the mantle of the tortured Danish prince. A narrative teetering on the brink of disarray, the play reveals the strain between Burton, portrayed by Johnny Flynn, and the director John Gielgud, personified by Gatiss, with Tuppence Middleton joining the fray as Taylor.
Helmed by eminent director Sam Mendes, whose repertoire includes cinematic gems like “Skyfall” and “Spectre,” the play delves into the mercurial nature of celebrity and the tolls it extracts. Mendes pivots back to his profound love of theatre, painting a portrait of Taylor and Burton’s entrapment within the glittering walls of their New York accommodation.
Gielgud was a once dashing figure now at a career crossroads, perceived as a forlorn relic seeking a flicker of relevance until a surprising turn revitalized his standing. Burton, despite his ascent to stardom, succumbed to the ravages of alcohol, and Taylor, with a string of marriages and captivating early work, left their legacies to the ebb and flow of history.
Despite their fade from the limelight, the emotional resonance of “The Motive and the Cue” reverberates with contemporary theatregoers, many of whom never witnessed their original grandeur. Gatiss, a celebrated craftsman known for his role as Mycroft Holmes in the BBC’s “Sherlock,” finds himself touched by the serendipitous alignment of Gielgud’s original portrayal of Hamlet on the very stage where he now acts.
The play’s immense popularity, mirrored by Gatiss’s lauded performance and an Olivier Award nomination, becomes not just an ode to the stage but a musing on the landscape of acting itself, threatened by rising ticket prices and educational cutbacks. Gatiss expresses his concerns for the future, championing initiatives like NT Live for their accessibility and fusion of theatre’s rawness with cinematic intimacy.
In closing, Gatiss underscores the pressing need to rediscover theatre’s roots as a platform for diverse voices, championing a renaissance of inclusivity in the arts.
FAQ: ‘The Motive and the Cue’
- What is ‘The Motive and the Cue’ about?
The play tells the story behind the scenes of a 1964 Broadway production of “Hamlet,” exploring the relationships and tensions among Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and director John Gielgud. - Who stars in ‘The Motive and the Cue’?
Johnny Flynn stars as Richard Burton, Tuppence Middleton as Elizabeth Taylor, and Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud. - Will ‘The Motive and the Cue’ be available in cinemas?
Yes, the play will be broadcast in cinemas in the UK and internationally through National Theatre Live. - What is National Theatre Live?
National Theatre Live is a project that broadcasts live and recorded theatre performances to cinemas worldwide. - Why is ‘The Motive and the Cue’ significant?
It is a critical examination of fame, legacy, and the historical evolution of the theater industry, resonating with audiences regardless of their familiarity with the original figures.
Conclusion
‘The Motive and the Cue’ transcends the stage, becoming a symbol of the theater’s powerful storytelling and the enduring fascination with celebrity culture. As it steps into the realm of cinema, audiences across the globe will have the opportunity to witness a poignant narrative that deftly weaves history, fame, and the art of performance. This universal appeal is perhaps the greatest testament to the enduring relevance of theater and the undeniable allure of golden-era Hollywood.