In 1964, Sir John Gielgud directed Richard Burton in Hamlet on Broadway. Jack Thorne’s The Motive and the Cue explores the complex encounter between Gielgud and Burton, the production’s formation, and the crux of what it means to be an actor. Thorne’s witty, serious, and thought-provoking play left an impact on audiences, and it certainly left one on me both as an actor and director.

The play is driven by the tense rehearsals and preparations of Sir John Gielgud (Mark Gatiss) and Richard Burton (Johnny Flynn). Flynn is assertive, assured, and gritty as Burton. He expertly created the tension which makes audience members uneasy, yet still gains their support. His counterpart, Mark Gatiss, was wonderful as Sir John and evokes laughter, thought, and tears from audience members. Gatiss’ performance truly took this production to the next level, mirroring the talent and greatness of the man he portrays. As Sir John’s star fades while Richard Burton’s is on the rise, audience members are enveloped into Sir John’s past success and personal struggles, both with his career and with his sexuality in an incredibly enjoyable and touching performance. Tuppence Middleton also stuns as Elizabeth Taylor, greatly enhancing the dynamic between all characters despite never appearing in the rehearsal room herself.

The play’s set design is also incredible and very clean. I was most impressed by the impeccable precision with which the curtains were involved with the performance. As the actors (actors playing actors in Hamlet) would break from the present scene to come forward and recite lines from “Uncle Will’s” classic masterpiece, the curtain seemed to disappear behind them, leaving them hauntingly alone on a darkened stage. This both mirrors the minimalistic aspect of the production of Hamlet which Gielgud and Burton produced in reality and which is the subject of the play as well as allows the actors to seamlessly transition between Hamlet, their rehearsals of it, and other scenes which take place outside the rehearsal room. These snippets of Hamlet allow us as audience members to glimpse the famed 1964 Broadway run, the longest run of the play in Broadway history.

Watching The Motive and the Cue is impactful to watch, specifically given my current projects and activities. As an actor and director, I empathize with and understand both Gielgud and Burton as they question their abilities and the reasons for why they do what they do. This is specifically the case with Sir John, as I am currently in the planning stages of directing for the very first time. In a cathartic scene, Gielgud and Burton answer the questions which they have been asking throughout the show, reach the crux of why Hamlet might feel the way he does, and stun with an impeccable “To be or not to be.” 

While some people may think the “why theatre is important” discussion to be cheesy, I think it is very touching given the overall saying that “theatre is dying.” I think this play was made by those who love theatre for those who love theatre, and is most suitable for people who partake in and appreciate it as art. That being said, I do think that others can enjoy this production. However, I think it can be most impactful and inspirational for those who are passionate about theatre. 

To conclude, The Motive and the Cue moved me and made me think introspectively. Congratulations to all involved on an impressive and wonderful run!

*I am planning on writing a longer article about the set design for The Motive and the Cue. Please see my blog if you would like to read more about it!