National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove

Film title

NT Live: Dr. Strangelove

Synopsis

Stanley Kubrick’s satirical comedy, regarded as one of the most influential films of all time, was originally inspired by a novel and real-life fears during the Cold War. Its reincarnation as a National Theatre production with a script by Armando Iannucci (The Personal History of David Copperfield) only serves to highlight its enduring relevance. Actor Steve Coogan juggles four roles, including that of the eccentric Dr. Strangelove, who is called in to help manage a diplomatic crisis when a paranoid US military general takes it upon himself to launch a nuclear strike on the USSR, motivated by a conspiracy theory. In the Pentagon War Room, the US President learns of the attack and contacts the Soviets, who reveal a doomsday device that will destroy Earth if triggered. With sharp political humour and surreal absurdity, this production is also very accessible thanks to the engaging way it is filmed on stage and the resonating topical references.