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National Theatre Live: Golden Boy

2026 Drama

1930s New York, at the height of the Depression. Joe Bonaparte is a gifted young violinist with extraordinary talent and a future in music, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional boxing. Pressured by a ruthless manager, tempted by a forbidden love, and bound by the expectations of his Italian-American family, Joe is a young man torn between the seductive promise of the American Dream and the quiet honor of a decent life. 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. Sam Yates directs Josh O'Connor in this searing revival of Clifford Odets' knockout American classic. Brought to life with a live string quartet, this propulsive drama explores ambition, identity, and the high price of success. A live stage production filmed at the Almeida Theatre, in London, UK.

Director: Sam Yates Writer: Clifford Odets

Trailer

Cast

Josh O'Connor Josh O'Connor Joe Bonaparte
Jason Barnett Jason Barnett Tokio
Richard Fleeshman Richard Fleeshman Frank
David Ganly David Ganly Roxy
Patrick Martins Patrick Martins Pepper White / Journalist
Oliver Ryan Oliver Ryan Mickey / Drake / Driscoll
Hayley Squires Hayley Squires Lorna
Stanley Townsend Stanley Townsend Mr. Bonaparte
Zubin Varla Zubin Varla Eddie Fuseli
Nicholas Woodeson Nicholas Woodeson Mr. Carp / Barker
Daniel Mays Daniel Mays Moody
Oscar Prout Oscar Prout Young Joe Bonaparte