National Theatre Live: The Audience Screening in Bradford

Helen Mirren stars as Queen Elizabeth II in acclaimed play

On 26 February 2026, Pictureville Cinema at the National Science & Media Museum in Bradford will screen a live recording of The Audience, a play featuring Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II. This screening marks the play’s return to cinemas after more than ten years.

About the play

The Audience is a production directed by Stephen Daldry that explores the private weekly meetings Queen Elizabeth II held with each of her British prime ministers over a span of 60 years. These meetings, known as “The Audience,” offered a confidential setting where the Queen advised prime ministers on a range of issues, both public and personal.

The play covers interactions with a series of prime ministers, including Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, and David Cameron. Through these encounters, audiences gain insight into the woman behind the crown and the significant moments that influenced her reign.

Production details

• Director: Stephen Daldry
• Lead actress: Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II
• Original production: Olivier and Tony Award-winning
• Recorded live from London’s West End in 2013
• Age guidance: 12A

The play was also the inspiration for the popular Netflix series The Crown, which draws on the same historical themes and events.

Screening information

• Date and time: 26 February 2026, 7:00pm
• Venue: Pictureville Cinema, National Science & Media Museum, Bradford, BD1 1NQ
• Ticket price: £20 (General admission)

Tickets are available for purchase in advance. The screening offers an opportunity for local audiences to experience a notable theatrical production from the National Theatre Live series without travelling to London.

Additional local theatre events

Other theatre productions scheduled in the Bradford area around this time include:

• Fawlty Towers The Play at The Alhambra Theatre, 24–28 March 2026
• Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story at The Alhambra Theatre, 24–28 February 2026
• Dear England at The Alhambra Theatre, 17–21 February 2026
• FRIENDS! The Musical Parody at The Alhambra Theatre, 27–31 January 2026

For more information on events in Bradford, local residents can sign up for a fortnightly newsletter providing updates on cultural and entertainment offerings in the district.