The strength of the National Theatre Live Screening programme is in the rich blend of classics, revivals and new plays.
On Thursday 16th April at 7.00pm, the Merlin screens the NT production of acclaimed playwright Tom Stoppard’s new work, ‘The Hard Problem’.
Hilary, a young psychology researcher at a brainscience institute, is nursing a private sorrow and a troubling question at work, where psychology and biology meet. If there is nothing but matter, what is consciousness?
This is ‘the hard problem’ which puts Hilary at odds with her colleagues who include her first mentor Spike, her boss Leo and the billionaire founder of the institute, Jerry. Is the day coming when the computer and the MRI scanner will answer all the questions psychology can ask? Meanwhile Hilary needs a miracle, and she is prepared to pray for one.
Stoppard is famous for ‘Shakespeare in Love’, ‘Arcadia’ and ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead’ and his new play is highly-anticipated. ‘The Hard Problem’ is directed by Nicholas Hytner (‘Othello’, ‘Hamlet’, ‘One Man’, Two Guvnors’).
Tickets for the screening on Thursday 16th April: Adults £15, Concessions £10. Book at www.mer lintheatre.co.uk or phone 01373 465949. Recommended 12+ | Running time: 120 mins.
There is the option of a pre-show supper served 45 mins before the performance with mains at £7 and puds for £3, payable on the night. To book supper, please contact Keren Hayden at kerenhayden @gmail.com or tel: 07968 753632.