National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove

2025

Action / Comedy

IMDb Rating 7.3/10 10 247 247

based on movie political satire stage performance stage play west end

Plot summary

Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove. This explosively funny satire, about a rogue U.S General who triggers a nuclear attack. Based on the motion picture directed by Stanley Kubrick, screenplay by Stanley Kubrick, Terry Southern and Peter George, based on the book 'Red Alert' by Peter George.

Director

Sean Foley Photo
Sean Foley

Top cast

Steve Coogan Photo
Steve Coogan as Dr. Strangelove
Giles Terera Photo
Giles Terera as Gen. Buck Turgidson
John Hopkins Photo
John Hopkins as Gen. Jack D. Ripper
Oliver Alvin-Wilson Photo
Oliver Alvin-Wilson as Jefferson
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
1.14 GB
1280*720
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
2 hr 7 min
Seeds 13
2.12 GB
1932*1088
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
2 hr 7 min
Seeds 36

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by angelalidder-87601 7 / 10

Enjoyable

This stage adaptation of Dr Strangelove is an ambitious and entertaining production, though it's important to recognise that it isn't a direct match for the film - nor should it be expected to be. While it carries the essence of the original, some of that unmistakable Kubrick magic is inevitably absent. The satire, too, feels less biting at times, not because it fails, but because the world has edged so much closer to the absurdity it once mocked. Satire loses some of its punch when reality catches up with it.There are a number of direct lifts from the film, but a fair amount of material is missing or replaced with new scenes. These changes are a result of the limitations of theatre, but they've been handled deftly and don't detract significantly from the overall story.Steve Coogan certainly carries the production, but he's supported by strong performances from the characters of Jack D. Ripper, General Turgidson, Faceman and Colonel Bat Guano.All in all, it's a very good production, cleverly adapted for the stage. While it may not fully capture the cinematic brilliance of Kubrick's film, fans of Dr Strangelove should still find much to enjoy.
Reviewed by andrewnock 9 / 10

You can't fight in here, it's the war room!

Not being a regular theatre goer, but a fan of Kubrick, I went not knowing what to expect, I'd watched the film many years ago. The play included a lot that I remembered I think the cast and crew did a great job with the many set changes that must have been difficult to organise. I watched Black Bag the previous night and enjoyed this more. I laughed out loud a few times, the cinema was quite empty so I suppose it lacked the atmosphere of a live theatre event. From a military accuracy perspective, Steve Coogan needs to be shown an RAF salute, the cold war uniforms and replica weapons were pretty good, the portrayal of the B52 bomber "Aluminum Angel" using a cockpit set and rear screens was quite impressive, the script editor needs to learn the difference between air force and airborne units however.Establishing audience shots and a fifteen minute intermission just reinforced that I was in an empty cinema. I enjoyed it and I'd go to watch similar events again. Well worth it.
Reviewed by paulwilkinscvn 8 / 10

Interesting take on a classic

If you are a Dr Strangelove fan then you should enjoy this. There are some direct lifts from the film but a lot of material is missing and replaced with new scenes - this is due to the limitations of the theatre and has been done very well and doesn't detract from the story too much.Steve Coogan does have his 'carry pants' on here and does a lot of the heavy lifting but he is ably assisted by the characters of : Jack D Ripper, General Turgidson , Faceman and of course Colonel Bat Guano of which no rendition of this would be the same.A very good production only like limited by it being theatre based rather than a film.
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