The National Theatre of London continues its season with its acclaimed new production of “The Motive and the Cue” showing in Sedona on Sunday and Wednesday, June 2 and 5. The Sedona International Film Festival hosts the big screen premiere at its Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre.

Sam Mendes directs Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud and Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton in the fierce and funny new play “The Motive and the Cue”.

1964: Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s exacting direction. But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.

Written by Jack Thorne and designed by Es Devlin, the Evening Standard award-winning best new play was filmed live during a sold-out run at the National Theatre.

“A love letter to theatre.” — Evening Standard

“Will give you goosebumps.” — Independent

“Immaculately directed by Sam Mendes.” — Times

“A witty, deft, touching evocation of a fascinating, fraught encounter.” — Telegraph

“Mark Gatiss is superb as Sir John Gielgud.” — Financial Times

“The Motive and the Cue” will be shown at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre on Sunday, June 2 at 3:00 p.m. and Wednesday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $13 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.