NT Live 2026 – All My Sons
A live recording of the theatre production of Arthur Miller’s classic, directed by Ivo van Hove, about the dark side of the American Dream, starring Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths).
One of the absolute highlights of the past British theatre season was this heart-wrenching new version of the modern classic All My Sons (1947). The play centres on the family of Joe Keller, scarred by the hardships of war, (self-)deception and feelings of guilt. This industrial magnate finds himself at loggerheads with Chris, his only son to have survived the war. Chris wishes to marry the fiancée of his brother, who never returned from the battlefield. Mother Kate, however, has never been able to accept that her son is dead.
Bryan Cranston takes on the lead role of Joe Keller and performs at the very peak of his abilities. Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant wrote that the actor appears to age ten years in the space of a few hours before the audience’s eyes. Also worthy of mention is the highly talented Paapa Essiedu, who excels in the role of the tormented son Chris, who always placed his father on a pedestal but ultimately has to tear that pedestal down himself.
All My Sons was nominated for six Olivier Awards (the prestigious British theatre awards) and won two. The production also won two Critics’ Circle Awards, the annual awards presented by the British theatre press. Thanks to the National Theatre Live initiative, the production can also be seen in cinemas.