Showing: 07 October 2026
Simon Stone’s film, written by Stephen Beresford (Pride), details Ian Charleson’s decision to step into the National Theatre’s production of Hamlet following Daniel Day-Lewis’ departure.
Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers) ascends to new heights with his performance. He captures the tumult and humanity of Charleson, who is dying of AIDS, while revealing the joyful process of co-creation and the importance of fellowship in embodying a character as complex as Shakespeare’s haunted Danish prince.
With a stellar cast that also includes Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn, Juliet Stevenson, Adeel Akhtar and Peter Mullan, Elsinore skilfully shifts gear between the ebullience of rehearsals and performance, and the profound reality of life on the precipice of the unknown. It’s a stunning achievement by Stone who has crafted a stirring ode to an extraordinary life, the strength of community and resistance, and the triumph of art.
Please note: all BFI London Film Festival screenings will start promptly at the advertised time, and play without ads or trailers.
Presented as part of the 70th BFI London Film Festival.
Tickets go on sale to paid QFT Members on Thu 10 Sep, to LUMI members on Tue 15 Sep and on general sale on Thu 17 Sep. You can become a paid QFT Member here or upgrade your membership on your account page.