Josh O'Connor's Stage Debut Hits Theaters Nov. 5

Moviegoers in cities around the world will see Josh O'Connor perform a live stage role in theaters beginning Nov. 5. National Theatre Live is distributing a filmed recording of the production, which concludes a run at London's Almeida Theatre.

The performance marks O'Connor's first return to the London stage in five years. During that interval, the actor gained international recognition. He won an Emmy for his portrayal of King Charles in the Netflix series The Crown. He also appeared in the films La Chimera, Challengers, Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man, and Disclosure Day.

The production is an adaptation of Clifford Odets' play. Sam Yates serves as director. The cast includes Hayley Squires and Daniel Mays. A live string quartet performs during the show. O'Connor plays Joe Bonaparte, a young violinist who enters professional boxing to pursue fame and fortune.

An exclusive clip released by the theater showcases the character's internal conflict. In the footage, O'Connor embraces a younger version of himself playing the violin. His face is covered in blood from a boxing injury. The visual underscores the trade-off between his musical talent and his new career in the ring.

The Almeida Theatre reported that the production played to sold-out houses throughout its run. Tickets for the cinema release are available for purchase through the National Theatre Live website. The film is scheduled to screen in venues globally starting Nov. 5.