The Almeida Theatre’s upcoming revival of Clifford Odets’ classic drama Golden Boy, starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Josh O’Connor (The Crown, Challengers), will receive a global cinema release via National Theatre Live starting Thursday 5 November 2026.
Captured live during its limited run at London’s Almeida Theatre, where it plays from 9 September to 31 October 2026, the propulsive 1930s drama is directed by Olivier Award winner Sam Yates (Vanya).
The production stars O’Connor alongside a wide ensemble cast including Jason Barnett, Richard Fleeshman, David Ganly, Patrick Martins, Daniel Mays, Oliver Ryan, Hayley Squires, Stanley Townsend, Zubin Varla, and Nicholas Woodeson.
Set in New York during the height of the Great Depression, Golden Boy tells the story of Joe Bonaparte, a gifted young violinist with a promising musical future. Tempted by a ruthless manager and lured by the promise of fame and fortune, Joe enters the brutal world of professional boxing. Divided by a forbidden love and the expectations of his Italian-American family, he is forced to navigate the space between the American Dream and a quiet life of honour, determining what he is willing to sacrifice along the way. The production features a live string quartet on stage to underscore the story's emotional tension.
Director Sam Yates highlighted the unique nature of the broadcast, noting that the filmed performance functions both as a record of the live stage production and as a standalone cinematic experience. He praised O’Connor’s lead performance alongside the wider cast and creative team, which includes set and costume designer Rosanna Vize, lighting designer James Farncombe, sound designer Dan Balfour, and composer Isobel Waller-Bridge.
Golden Boy forms part of National Theatre Live’s upcoming autumn lineup, joining the cinema broadcast of The Misanthrope starring Sandra Oh, which releases on Tuesday 22 September 2026.
Tickets for screenings in the UK and internationally are available now through local cinema box offices, with Sky Arts serving as the headline sponsor for National Theatre Live in the UK.
Photo credit: Nadav Kander
