National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove (2025): Cast & Ratings
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove is a 2025 comedy directed by Sean Foley, starring Steve Coogan as Dr Strangelove/Captain Mandrake, President Muffley and Major TJ Kong, John Hopkins and Ben Turner. It runs 2 hours 5 minutes and earned $943,695 worldwide. IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 5m (125 min)
- Director
- Sean Foley
- Genre
- Comedy
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- National Theatre
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove About?
The premise of National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove without spoilers.
Steve Coogan stars in this stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s iconic comedy, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. This explosively funny satire follows a rogue U.S. General who initiates a nuclear attack, leading to hilarious and unsettling consequences. The production draws from Kubrick's original motion picture, screenplay, and Peter George’s novel ‘Red Alert’, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless masterpiece.
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove Cast & Characters
Steve Coogan leads the cast as Dr Strangelove/Captain Mandrake, President Muffley and Major TJ Kong, with John Hopkins as General Jack D. Ripper and Ben Turner as Colonel Bat Guano. Directed by Sean Foley; 11 actors are credited in all.
- Director Sean Foley
-
Steve Coogan as Dr Strangelove/Captain Mandrake, President Muffley and Major TJ Kong -
John Hopkins as General Jack D. Ripper - Ben Turner as Colonel Bat Guano
- Richard Dempsey as Frank
Also Starring in National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove
· 7 more- Tony Jayawardena Russian Ambassador Bakov
- Mark Hadfield Faceman
- Giles Terera General Buck Turgidson
- Ben Deery General Staines
- Oliver Alvin-Wilson Jefferson
- Penny Ashmore Vera Lynn
- Mabli Gwynne Ensemble/Swing
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove Reviews & Ratings
IMDb users rate National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 71/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in story & flow (65).
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove Echo Score Breakdown
The production receives a mixed but generally favorable reception. Critics highlight the competent stagecraft and Coogan’s charismatic performance, while some note the adaptation’s inability to capture the original’s satirical edge. Audiences appreciate the inventive set changes and pacing, yet a minority find the humor flat and the experience remote. Overall, the strengths in visual design and energetic performances outweigh the shortcomings in satire and cinematic fidelity, resulting in a modestly positive impression.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
Regarding art and craft, the production is praised for its inventive set design and fluid scene transitions, with critics noting top‑notch theatre craft and artful camera work. Yet a few reviewers describe the set as chaotic and the filmed format as distancing. Overall, the visual execution is regarded as competent and largely effective.
- Character & Emotion 70
Character and emotion receive substantial commendation, especially for Steve Coogan’s versatile portrayals and the supporting cast’s strong performances. Reviewers highlight nuanced humor and chemistry among characters, though some find the satire weakened and the humor uneven. In sum, the acting is viewed as a primary strength, offset slightly by varied comedic impact.
- Story & Flow 65
Story and flow are noted for tight pacing and engaging structure, with many users applauding the brisk, airtight progression and clever adaptation of key scenes. Conversely, criticism centers on omitted material and a perceived loss of the original’s biting satire, leading some to label the narrative as uneven. Overall, the plot is effective though not uniformly satisfying.
- Sensory Experience 68
The sensory experience blends stage visuals with filmic capture; critics commend the artful cinematography and impressive set pieces such as the B‑52 cockpit replica. However, a few reviewers feel the filmed theatre creates emotional distance and note occasional set chaos. Consequently, the sensory dimension is generally regarded as solid, with reservations about immersion.
- Rewatch Factor 72
Rewatch factor is generally positive, with many audience members expressing willingness to attend similar theatre‑film events and noting memorable moments and effective humor. Nonetheless, some users report limited enjoyment, citing stale jokes and a feeling of redundancy. Overall, the production offers enough novelty and entertainment to merit repeat viewings for most viewers.
-
IMDb 7.2 /10
320 votes
-
TMDB 60% User score
See on TMDB
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove Box Office
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove grossed $943,695 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$943.7K
- International
- $943.7K
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove Trailers & Videos
6 videos: 1 trailer, 3 clips, 1 featurette and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- Clip Dr. Strangelove | 'This problem, is it a biggie?' | National Theatre Live
- Clip Dr. Strangelove | 'Blimey O'Riley sir!' | National Theatre Live
- Clip Dr. Strangelove | 'Pre-taliate' | National Theatre Live
- Featurette Dr. Strangelove | Coogan's Four Characters | National Theatre Live
Seen National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove?
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove FAQ: Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove, each answered in a sentence.
How long is National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove?
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove runs 2 hours 5 minutes (125 minutes).
When was National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove released?
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove was released on March 27, 2025.
Who directed National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove?
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove was directed by Sean Foley.
More films by Sean Foley Who is in the cast of National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove?
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove stars Steve Coogan as Dr Strangelove/Captain Mandrake, President Muffley and Major TJ Kong, John Hopkins as General Jack D. Ripper and Ben Turner as Colonel Bat Guano, among 11 credited actors.
How much did National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove make at the box office?
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove grossed $943,695 worldwide.
How is National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove rated?
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove has 7.2/10 on IMDb and 60% on TMDB.
Does National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove have a post-credit scene?
No. National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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