Star-Studded Event: National Theatre Live Brings Free Interactive Theatre to Manchester

The rush of live performance. The excitement of celebrity encounters. The joy of immersing yourself in the magic of theatre—without ever leaving your local shopping centre. All this and more awaits theatre-goers when National Theatre Live sets up shop in Manchester’s Arndale Centre for a free, one-of-a-kind interactive event on 22 January. If you’ve been longing for the thrill of high-quality theatre but can’t make it down to the capital, this is your chance to rub shoulders (virtually, at least) with some of the UK’s most celebrated stage stars, all in the midst of your weekend shopping trip.

In a move that underscores National Theatre Live’s ongoing mission to broaden the reach of world-class productions, the event promises a unique opportunity for shoppers and theatre fans alike. Participants will join an actor from the National Theatre in London via a giant screen, reading from a snippet of a well-known play. Picture it: a quiet corner of the Arndale Centre suddenly transformed into a mini West End stage—complete with Vue’s plush Lux seats for that extra dash of cinematic comfort. And best of all, it won’t cost you a penny.

A New Spin on Accessibility

For many theatre enthusiasts, location can feel like a barrier. You might love the thrill of a live performance, but the big-city venue and steep ticket prices can be deterrents. That’s precisely why National Theatre Live has been such a game-changer since its inception. By broadcasting acclaimed productions to cinemas across the globe, it’s given millions of viewers the chance to enjoy first-rate theatre without booking a train to London.

Now, by hosting an interactive event in a bustling shopping centre, the organisation is taking accessibility to a whole new level. Not only is the event free, but you also don’t have to set foot in a theatre. Instead, the theatre is coming to you. Shoppers can drop their bags, sink into a recliner chair, and engage in a live reading as though they were performing on one of the UK’s great stages.

It’s this sort of inventive thinking that continues to push theatre boundaries, making the performing arts more inclusive, more diverse, and, let’s face it, more fun. And while nothing beats experiencing a show in person, this new approach proves that audiences can connect with live drama in a myriad of unexpected ways.

Where the Stars Come Out to Play

One of the big highlights of this interactive event is the star power. Among the actors making appearances (both live on screen and in person) are some of the best-known names from National Theatre productions. Fans of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST—Oscar Wilde’s beloved comedy of manners—will be particularly pleased to hear that Ncuti Gatwa, Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́, Eliza Scanlen, and Amanda Lawrence are on hand to give you a behind-the-scenes peek into their forthcoming cinematic release with National Theatre Live. Imagine spontaneously crossing paths with the star of Sex Education (Gatwa) or discovering the comedic insights of Amanda Lawrence up close.

But that’s not all. Past National Theatre Live favourites, including Adrian Scarborough, Katherine Parkinson, Hammed Animashaun, Craig Parkinson, Eben Figueiredo, and Owen Teale, will also be dropping in to share stories. If you’ve ever found yourself enthralled by a National Theatre Live production—gazing at the screen and wishing you could ask the actor about a particular moment—this might just be your chance.

The Next Big Screen Sensation: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

It’s no coincidence that the cast of Wilde’s THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST is part of the festivities. Their production is the next in line to grace cinema screens nationwide, starting 20 February, courtesy of National Theatre Live. For anyone who has never quite found time to see the play performed live, or for those who adore it and can’t get enough, this is a golden opportunity to delve into the wit and charm of one of theatre’s most quotable works.

And if you’re keen for a sneak preview—or simply curious to hear what the cast has to say—you can listen to Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́ and Eliza Scanlen in a bonus episode of the WhatsOnStage Podcast, where they discuss their roles and the production’s unique twists. Hearing directly from cast members brings the play to life in a different way, offering an intimate understanding of how they shape the iconic characters of Gwendolen, Cecily, and beyond.

Event Cinema on the Rise

While plenty of people might hesitate at the idea of seeing a stage play on a cinema screen, recent survey data suggests that “event cinema” is becoming increasingly popular. A significant 25 per cent of Britons say they want to visit the cinema more often in 2025, with that number leaping to an impressive 38 per cent among Gen Z. And although only 19 per cent of the population has experienced a one-night-only event cinema screening so far, nearly half (47 per cent) say they’d be keen to give it a try—rising to 53 per cent for Gen Z viewers.

This upward trend is good news for anyone invested in the future of theatre and the performing arts. The modern audience is hungry for convenience, choice, and that little extra spark of excitement. Event cinema, whether it’s a National Theatre Live broadcast or a Q&A with cast members, ticks all those boxes. It offers high-quality entertainment while bypassing some of the traditional constraints of location, cost, and scheduling.

Wellbeing and Cultural Balance

But the appeal of this free interactive event isn’t merely about star-spotting or ticking a cultural box. There’s growing recognition that the arts play a vital role in people’s overall wellbeing. According to the same survey, 53 per cent of Britons believe that cultural activities are crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. And a whopping 69 per cent think event cinema can have a positive impact on personal wellbeing—a figure that shoots up to 86 per cent among Gen Z participants.

Think of it this way: while you’re shopping in the Arndale Centre and juggling a million errands, there’s a moment where you can pause, connect with your creative side, and let your imagination run wild. You’re not just passing time; you’re feeding your mind and soul, even if it’s just for a few minutes of reading lines from a classic play. In a culture that often prizes busyness, taking a break to indulge in a spontaneous theatre experience feels like a gentle reminder of the joy the arts can bring to our daily lives.

Redefining the Theatrical Experience

National Theatre Live’s current network spans 850 cinemas and venues across the UK, making it the largest initiative of its kind. This wide coverage helps new audiences connect with productions they might otherwise never see. Whether you live in a remote corner of Scotland, a bustling neighbourhood in Manchester, or a distant city in Australia with its own thriving theatre scene, the principle is the same: bridging the gap between the stage and the screen (and sometimes a shopping centre) so that more people can experience the magic.

The Manchester event exemplifies how theatre is evolving to meet modern needs. With 31 per cent of survey respondents valuing accessibility and convenience in the arts, it’s not surprising that experimental pop-ups and free interactive sessions are gaining traction. Essentially, the lines between “theatre,” “cinema,” and “cultural event” are blurring, offering a creative sandbox where the possibilities feel endless.

A Chance to Step into the Spotlight—No Audition Required

If you’ve ever had a secret yearning to act—or even if you’re just curious about how actors adapt their voices and bodies for the stage—this interactive reading is tailor-made for you. Usually, the theatre remains a space set apart, where performers command the stage and audiences watch from the darkness. But here, anyone can become a temporary cast member, stepping into a well-known script and delivering lines alongside professionals. It’s an antidote to the typical passivity of entertainment, nudging people to realise, “Hey, I can do this too!”

Sure, it might be nerve-racking. You might stumble over a line or two. But that’s part of the experience. In fact, those little missteps or moments of confusion are exactly what can make the event feel so human and genuine. The theatre world has always been about collaboration and connection, and this event breaks down barriers to give you a taste of that camaraderie—even in the middle of a shopping centre.

Why Manchester?

Manchester has long been a city brimming with cultural energy, renowned for its contributions to music, art, literature, and, of course, theatre. From the Royal Exchange Theatre to The Lowry, local venues routinely offer cutting-edge productions that rival what you’d see in London. By partnering with the Arndale Centre, National Theatre Live taps into this rich creative spirit, ensuring that the event becomes a city-wide celebration rather than a niche offering for theatre purists.

What’s more, Manchester is a microcosm of the UK at large—diverse, vibrant, and unafraid to embrace the new. By introducing an interactive theatrical pop-up into a mainstream space, National Theatre Live can engage a broad cross-section of Mancunians, many of whom might be encountering professional theatre in a whole new way. And if it goes well, who knows? We could see similar events rolled out across other UK cities, transforming everyday locales into impromptu stages.

A Theatrical Revolution in the Making

Whether you’re a long-time National Theatre Live devotee or simply someone who loves a quirky, free event, this interactive session at Manchester’s Arndale Centre is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with the magic of performance. The promise of an up-close encounter with stars from THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST—and the possibility of stepping into a role yourself—makes for a day that’s entertaining, memorable, and steeped in creative possibility.

At its heart, the event reflects a broader shift in how theatremakers and audiences are thinking about engagement. It’s no longer enough to stage a production in a historic venue and call it a day. In today’s fast-paced world, the arts must reach out, innovate, and forge new pathways to connect with communities. By blending the best of live performance and digital streaming—then plonking the whole setup right in a busy shopping centre—National Theatre Live is offering a bold blueprint for the future of theatre. And for those of us lucky enough to be in Manchester on 22 January, that future looks bright, interactive, and utterly exhilarating.