National Theatre Live: Golden Boy

Josh O’Connor (The Crown; Challengers) leads the cast in this searing revival of Clifford Odets’ knockout American classic.

1930s New York, at the height of the Depression. Joe Bonaparte is a gifted young violinist with a future in music, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional boxing. He must confront what he’s willing to sacrifice, who he’s willing to become and how to find his place in a world that demands he choose a side.

Brought to life with a live string quartet and filmed live from the Almeida Theatre. Olivier Award-winner Sam Yates (Vanya) directs this propulsive drama exploring ambition, identity, and the high price of success.

★★★★★  'Josh O’Connor is a knockout’ (The Sunday Times)
★★★★ ‘A cracking cast meets a bold vision’ (Time Out)
★★★★ ‘A gripping revival’ (The Telegraph)

• Directed by Sam Yates
• Starring Josh O'Connor, Jason Barnett, Hayley Squires
• Rating 15
• Running time 180 mins
• Released 2026-11-05
• Genre Theatre