Winner of three Tony Awards® and two Olivier Awards, National Theatre Live’s smash-hit broadcast of the original West End production of The Audience - featuring Helen Mirren’s multi-award-winning performance as Queen Elizabeth II - returns to cinemas in celebration of the monarch’s 90th birthday.

Written by Peter Morgan (The Queen) and directed by two-time Tony Award® winner and Academy Award®-nominated director Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours), these special encore screenings include an exclusive Q&A with Helen Mirren and director Stephen Daldry.

For sixty years, Queen Elizabeth II has met with each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a private weekly meeting. This meeting is known as The Audience. No one knows what they discuss, not even their spouses.

From the old warrior Winston Churchill, to the Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair right up to today’s meetings with the current incumbent David Cameron, the Queen advises her Prime Ministers on all matters both public and personal. Through these private audiences, we see glimpses of the woman behind the crown and witness the moments that shaped a monarch. 

The Audience was presented in the West End by Matthew Byam Shaw for Playful Productions, Robert Fox and Andy Harries.

‘Helen Mirren is smashing. Her Majesty will see you now.’

New York Times

‘To the surprise of exactly no one, Helen Mirren is absolutely terrific.’

New York Post

‘Helen Mirren holds The Audience. It’s dazzling fun.’

New York Magazine

‘Helen Mirren is astonishing in Peter Morgan’s splendid The Audience.’ 

Associated Press

‘Helen Mirren rules in this engaging and humanizing retrospective.’

Time Out New York

‘Royally entertaining.’

Variety