Movie

National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art

★ 8.0(1)20102h 25m

National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art isn't available to stream, rent or buy in New Zealand right now. Availability changes often, so check back soon. Availability checked 25 July 2026.

Where to watch National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art

🇳🇿 New Zealand

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Good to know

Director: Robin Lough, Nicholas Hytner
Release date: 2010-04-22
Runtime: 2h 25m
Language: English
Status: Released
Country: United Kingdom
Studio: National Theatre

National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art — trailer

About National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art

National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art is a 2010 movie in the Drama and Comedy genres, directed by Robin Lough and Nicholas Hytner, starring Richard Griffiths, Alex Jennings and Frances de la Tour. It has a runtime of 2 hours 25 minutes. It holds an average rating of 8.0/10 from 1 viewers. Below you can see where to watch National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art in New Zealand — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

National Theatre Live’s 2010 broadcast of Alan Bennett’s acclaimed play The Habit of Art, with Richard Griffiths, Alex Jennings, and Frances de la Tour, returns to cinemas as part of the National Theatre's 50th anniversary celebrations. Benjamin Britten, sailing uncomfortably close to the wind with his new opera, Death in Venice, seeks advice from his former collaborator and friend, W H Auden. During this imagined meeting, their first for 25 years, they are observed and interrupted by, amongst others, their future biographer and a young man from the local bus station. Alan Bennett’s play is as much about the theatre as it is about poetry or music. It looks at the unsettling desires of two difficult men, and at the ethics of biography. It reflects on growing old, on creativity and inspiration, and on persisting when all passion’s spent: ultimately, on the habit of art. One of the first five episodes also released on terrestrial TV on a 2009 BBC TV series titled "National Theatre Live".

Cast

Richard Griffiths

Fitz / W. H. Auden

Alex Jennings

Henry / Benjamin Britten

Frances de la Tour

Kay

Stephen Wight

Tim / Stuart

Philip Childs

Brian

Elliot Levey

Neil

John Heffernan

George

Barbara Kirby

Joan

Martin Chamberlain

Ralph

Laurence Belcher

Young Boy

Adrian Scarborough

Donald / Humphrey Carpenter

Tom Attwood

Tom

Themes & keywords

stage playfilmed theater

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art in New Zealand?+

National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art is not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service in New Zealand. Availability changes often, so check back or switch your region.

Is National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art on Netflix?+

National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art is not on Netflix in New Zealand right now.

How long is National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art?+

National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art has a runtime of 2 hours 25 minutes (145 minutes).

Who stars in National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art?+

National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art stars Richard Griffiths, Alex Jennings, Frances de la Tour, Stephen Wight and Philip Childs.

When did National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art come out?+

National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art is a 2010 movie directed by Robin Lough and Nicholas Hytner.

What genre is National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art?+

National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art is Drama and Comedy film.

Who directed National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art?+

National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art was directed by Robin Lough and Nicholas Hytner.