The National Theatre today announces two new productions that will be broadcast as part of the 2023 National Theatre Live programme, shown in cinemas in the UK and internationally. Tickets are now available on the NT Live website.

Puppetry, magic and storytelling combine in Life of Pi, a uniquely enchanting production of Yann Martel’s best-selling novel, adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti (Hymn) and produced by Simon Friend Entertainment. Brought to life in a breath-taking new way for cinema screens, the broadcast will feature state-of-the-art visuals, illustrating this epic journey of endurance and hope for audiences of all ages. Filmed live on stage in London’s West End, with the production’s multi-Olivier Award-winning cast and directed by Max Webster (Henry V), Life of Pi will be broadcast around the globe (excluding the United States, due to its Broadway transfer) in March 2023.

This May, audiences are invited to Best of Enemies, a multiple award-winning new drama from James Graham (Sherwood). In divided 1968 America, David Harewood (Homeland) and Zachary Quinto (Star Trek) play feuding political rivals William F. Buckley Jr and Gore Vidal as they debate the moral landscape of a shattered nation, in a blistering political thriller directed by Jeremy Herrin (People, Places & Things). Following a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre, Best of Enemies is now at the Noël Coward Theatre until 18 February and will be captured live on the West End stage, for release into cinemas worldwide in May 2023. This production is from Second Half Productions, Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Wessex Grove, Young Vic Theatre and Headlong.

These two productions join GOOD, set for release into cinemas from April 2023. As the world faces a World War, John Halder, a decent, intelligent, music-loving German professor, finds himself swept along in a movement that crescendos towards an unthinkable finale. David Tennant (Doctor Who) makes a much-anticipated return to the West End in a reimagining of one of Britain’s most powerful, political plays, presented by Fictionhouse and Playful Productions. Olivier Award-winner Dominic Cooke (Follies) directs C. P. Taylor’s timely tale, with the cast featuring Elliot Levey (Cabaret) and Sharon Small (The Bay).

The new year programme begins with an urgent and contemporary staging of The Crucible, featuring Erin Doherty (The Crown) as Abigail Williams and Brendan Cowell (Yerma) as John Proctor, captured live at the National Theatre and released to cinemas on 26 January.

Followed by Othello – with Giles Terera (Hamilton) as Othello, Rosy McEwen (The Alienist) as Desdemona and Paul Hilton (The Inheritance) as Iago – captured live at the National Theatre and released to cinemas on 23 February.

Sky Arts is the Headline Partner of National Theatre Live in the UK.