A searing revival of Clifford Odets' American classic

National Theatre Live 2026

Golden Boy

By Cliff Odets

Directed by Sam Yates

Filmed live on stage at the Almeida Theatre, London.

Certificate 15 (TBC)

Running time 180 mins

Josh O’Connor (The Crown; Challengers) leads the cast in this searing revival of Clifford Odets’ knockout American classic.

1930s New York, at the height of the Depression. Joe Bonaparte is a gifted young violinist with a future in music, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional boxing. He must confront what he’s willing to sacrifice, who he’s willing to become and how to find his place in a world that demands he choose a side.

Brought to life with a live string quartet and filmed live from the Almeida Theatre, Olivier Award-winner Sam Yates (Vanya) directs this propulsive drama exploring ambition, identity, and the high price of success.

Please note that this screening will not be captioned.

Subject to availability, card payments only can be taken on the door.

Our NT Live screenings are a collaboration between LU Arts and Flix (https://flix.org.uk/), student-run cinema. Flix run the screenings on the night on our behalf.

Exchanges and refunds

Tickets for our NT Live screenings are non-refundable unless the screening is postponed or cancelled.

Parking

Please note that visitors are required to register their vehicle and pay to park on campus. There is a flat evening rate of £2 after 6pm. There are various ways in which you can register and pay (both in advance and on arrival). Parking outside Cope Auditorium is not available to non-permit holders prior to 6pm.

More information on visitor parking (https://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/fm/services/traffic-parking/visitors/)

Kiosk

The kiosk in the foyer will be open before the screening starts and during the interval serving hot and cold drinks and snacks (card payment only).

Accessibility

The Cope Auditorium has step free access and there is an accessible toilet in the main foyer. The auditorium has wheelchair user spaces on the front row and is fitted with an induction (hearing) loop. Wheelchair users may bring a carer with them at no extra cost – please select a wheelchair ticket and a wheelchair carer ticket. A wheelchair carer ticket will not be valid on its own.

This screening will not be captioned.

If you have any access requirements or anything you would like us to be aware of when running the event, please let us know via the booking form or email LU.Arts@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk in advance of booking and we will do our best to accommodate them.

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Description supplied by the event organiser.