Golden Boy
With its complex characters and gripping storyline, National Theatre Live: Golden Boy is set to captivate audiences at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre. This searing revival of Clifford Odets' American classic explores themes of ambition and identity.

Dir: Stoney Westmoreland
Cast: Mark Elias, Lex Medlin, Logan Donovan, Paul Culos, Kimberly Westbrook, Armin Shimerman, Kevin Will, Patricia Mizen
105 mins · 2018 · English
IMDb 6.3/10
Awards: 2 wins
National Theatre Live: Golden Boy
5 Nov 2026 – 8 Nov 2026
Gulbenkian Arts Centre (Canterbury)
The film adaptation of Golden Boy has received a score of 6.3/10 on IMDb, based on 54 votes, and has won 2 awards. However, it's the National Theatre Live production that will be screened at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre, directed by Sam Yates and featuring a cast including Josh O'Connor, Daniel Mays, and Hayley Squires.
The story of Golden Boy is set in 1930s New York, where a young violinist named Joe Bonaparte is drawn into the world of professional boxing, lured by the promise of fame and fortune. As Joe navigates this new world, he must confront what he is willing to sacrifice and who he is willing to become in order to succeed. The play explores themes of ambition, identity, and the high price of success, all set to the backdrop of a live string quartet.
The National Theatre Live production of Golden Boy is a revival of Clifford Odets' American classic, brought to life by a talented cast and crew. The film details provided are actually for a different production, directed by Stoney Westmoreland and starring Mark Elias, Lex Medlin, and Logan Donovan. This production is a drama that explores universal themes of trust, seduction, betrayal, and redemption.
The screening of National Theatre Live: Golden Boy will take place at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre in Canterbury, from Thursday, 5 November 2026 to Sunday, 8 November 2026. Tickets are with the button beside the article. The production has a runtime of 180 minutes and is certified 15. With its propulsive drama and thought-provoking themes, National Theatre Live: Golden Boy is sure to captivate audiences.
The play's exploration of ambition and identity is set against the backdrop of a live string quartet, adding an extra layer of depth to the production. The talented cast, including Josh O'Connor, Daniel Mays, and Hayley Squires, will bring the complex characters to life, making for a compelling and engaging watch.
Stills
What viewers say
CinemaSerf · 6/10
“James” (Mark Elias) is down on his luck when casual acquaintance “Houston” (Logan Donovan) suggests that he might make a decent living working the park at night. That doesn’t prove very successful but on his way home, he encounters the wealthy “CQ” (Lex Medlin) whom he’d done some grocery deliveries for before. This man takes pity on the lad and invites him back to stay at his, platonically and no strings, until he gets on his feet. It all goes…
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