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A Streetcar Named Desire with National Theatre at Home

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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A Streetcar Named Desire with National Theatre at Home

21-28 May 2020

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Free
A Streetcar Named Desire with National Theatre at Home
Image courtesy of Johan Persson.
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The National Theatre at Home team bring us another outstanding production this week. Filmed at the Young Vic in 2014 for National Theatre Live, A Streetcar Named Desire is arguably Tennessee Williams’ most famous work. This critically acclaimed production, directed by Benedict Andrews, and described as ‘utterly compelling’ by The Observer, puts a scintillating spin on the 1947 classic.

Giving a magnificent performance as Blanche Dubois is Gillian Anderson ((All About Eve, The X-Files, The Fall, Sex Education); Vanessa Kirby (Julie, The Crown, Mission Impossible) takes on the role of her sister, Stella Kowalski and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor, Kill Your Darlings) plays her husband, Stanley Kowalski.

When the troubled former teacher, Blanche, packs up to move away from small-town Mississippi and arrives at her sister’s home in New Orleans, social tensions begin to surface within the house. Brutal and unforgiving, Stanley becomes suspicious of his sister-in-law and sets out to uncover the real reason she left her own town.

A Streetcar Named Desire runs at just under three hours. And there is plenty to enjoy in this exhilarating, and genuinely unmissable, production; Anderson’s electrifying central performance and Andrews’ bold direction fused with Maggi Willi’s slow revolving stage make for a brilliantly fresh and bracing performance.

While you’re here…be sure to check out our full (and frequently updated) guide to the best online things to do in Manchester and the North.

Where to go near A Streetcar Named Desire with National Theatre at Home

Leeds
Event venue
The Attic

Tucked away above the bustle of Merrion Street, The Attic is one of Leeds’ most distinctive small venues – intimate, unpretentious, and steeped in DIY spirit.

The Chevin is a great place for visitors to do lots of different activities and is open all year round with 5 free car parks. To help you find out whatís best for you we have divided this section up into some of these different activities.Please be aware that The Chevin is a working estate so you may see vehicles including timber-extraction lorries using some of the tracks.Self-guided WalksThe Chevin is a big place and there is a good network of paths to make your own circular walk, but if you want to follow a themed trail there is a Geology Trail, Heritage Time Trail and a route for Tree Spotters.Bikes & HorsesThere is an extensive bridleway network on the eastern parts of The Chevin that caters for a range of abilities.Orienteering and GeocachingTwo orienteering courses and a number of geocache sites are waiting to be discovered.Climbing & BoulderingThere are many fantastic crags for climbing and boulders for bouldering.Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs
Leeds
Restaurant
Oporto

For many years, Oporto has been a beacon of alternative energy on Leeds’ Call Lane – serving up great food and drink alongside resident DJs and live music.

Manchester
Gallery
Black Redstart Gallery

Black Redstart Gallery is located in the Northern Quarter and runs a busy programme of exhibitions from emerging and established artists.

RJC Dance Xmas Show
Leeds
RJC Dance

RJC Dance, based in Chapeltown, Leeds, champions youth and education, leading inclusive Black dance in the North through national partnerships.

Manchester
Gallery
texture mcr

Possibly one of the city’s most mysterious art galleries, texture is a small and perfectly-formed independent space in Ardwick.

The Beacon at Cliffe Castle Park
Bradford
Park
Cliffe Castle Park

Cliffe Castle Park hosts the Beacon, a stunning performance space that will be touring the district throughout Bradford UK City of Culture 2025.

Hern Food
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Hern

This produce-driven bistro in Chapel Allerton, Leeds, prides itself on cooking with the only finest ingredients and his headed up by Cordon Bleu-trained chef Rab Adams.

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