Two hundred more venues eventually showed the production internationally, resulting in a combined audience of around 50,000 people for this one performance. The programme began its pilot season in June 2009 with a production of Phèdre, starring Helen Mirren, which screened live in 70 cinemas across the UK.
Nicholas Hytner, director of the Royal National Theatre. If I had been able to see Olivier's National Theatre at my local cinema, I would have gone all of the time. National Theatre Live is an initiative operated by the Royal National Theatre in London, which broadcasts live via satellite, performances of their productions (and from other theatres) to cinemas and arts centres around the world.
