Everything You Need to Know About The Audience by National Theatre Live at Silsden Town Hall

Ever wondered what the Queen really talked about with her Prime Ministers behind closed doors? It’s one of history’s best-kept secrets. For sixty years, Queen Elizabeth II had a private weekly meeting with whoever was in charge at the time. No one else was allowed in, and no notes were taken. Now, an award-winning play imagines what was said in those secret chats. The fantastic news is that a special screening of this play, The Audience, is coming to Silsden Town Hall. It’s a production from National Theatre Live starring the brilliant Helen Mirren as the Queen, offering a peek into the life of a monarch and the politics that shaped Britain. If you’re a fan of the Netflix show The Crown, you’ll be fascinated, as this is the play that inspired it all.

A peek behind the palace curtains

The whole idea of The Audience is based on that one, very real, weekly meeting. Imagine being a fly on the wall as the Queen meets with a dozen different Prime Ministers over her reign. These aren't stuffy, formal affairs. The play, written by Peter Morgan, imagines the personal and political advice shared in these private moments. It jumps through time, showing us glimpses of the woman behind the crown as she deals with everyone from her very first Prime Minister, the formidable Winston Churchill, to later leaders like the controversial Margaret Thatcher and the more modern David Cameron. It's a clever look at how a young woman grew into a seasoned monarch, all through the lens of her conversations with the people running the country. This isn't just a history lesson, it's a human story about duty, power, and the quiet moments that defined an era. The play explores how Queen Elizabeth II navigated huge political shifts and personal challenges, all while maintaining her unique position. This production of The Audience gives a powerful sense of the history these figures shared.

From the West End to West Yorkshire

Getting to see a top London theatre show can be a bit of a trek, not to mention expensive. That's where National Theatre Live comes in. They film incredible stage productions with amazing actors and beam them into local cinemas and theatres. This means you can get the full West End experience right here in Silsden. This particular recording of The Audience was captured live back in 2013 and became one of the most popular NT Live shows ever. Now, after more than ten years, it’s back on the big screen. The production was directed by the acclaimed Stephen Daldry and written by Peter Morgan, who went on to create the global Netflix hit, The Crown. In fact, many of the ideas and scenes you see in The Crown started right here, in this play. So, what’s showing at Silsden Town Hall isn’t just any play; it’s a Tony Award and Olivier Award-winning hit, bringing a slice of theatre magic to West Yorkshire.

Dame Helen Mirren as the Queen

Let's be honest, some actors are just born to play certain roles, and Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II is one of those perfect matches. Her performance in The Audience is simply brilliant. She manages to capture the Queen's famous voice and mannerisms, but she also shows the sharp wit, the warmth, and the steely determination that people rarely saw. Mirren actually won both an Olivier Award and a Tony Award for her portrayal of the Queen in this very production, which shows just how special it is. She doesn't just play one version of the monarch, either. The play cleverly switches between different decades, so one minute Mirren is the young, newly crowned Queen meeting an ageing Winston Churchill, and the next she’s dealing with the political battles of Margaret Thatcher. It's a masterclass in acting and a huge reason why The Audience is such a captivating watch. Seeing her incredible performance live on the big screen is an opportunity you don't want to miss.

Your royal appointment in Silsden

Fancy an evening of top-tier drama? The screening of The Audience is a one-night-only event at the lovely Silsden Town Hall. It’s the perfect chance to see a world-class production without leaving the local area. Silsden is a town ready for a cultural treat like this one, brought by National Theatre Live. All the details for this much-anticipated screening are below.

WhatNational Theatre Live screening of The AudienceWhereSilsden Town Hall, Kirkgate, Silsden, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 0AJWhenSaturday 21st MarchTime7:00pm (Doors open at 6:15pm)

This is a fantastic opportunity to see a truly iconic piece of theatre. The story of Queen Elizabeth II and her relationships with her prime ministers is a huge part of British history, and this play brings it to life in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. The performance from Helen Mirren alone is worth the ticket price, and the script from Peter Morgan is sharp, funny, and surprisingly moving. It’s a great night out for anyone who loves theatre, history, or was just hooked on The Crown. The Silsden Town Hall team is bringing a special experience right to the heart of the community.

More than just a one-off show at Silsden Town Hall

While the screening of The Audience is a major highlight, it's just one part of a packed schedule at Silsden Town Hall. The venue is quickly becoming a go-to spot for great entertainment in the Keighley area. The 2026 programme is already looking brilliant, with a real mix of comedy, music, and more. Fans of The Inbetweeners will be excited to hear that Joe Thomas is set to make an appearance, and there are also tribute nights planned for music legends Freddie Mercury and The Carpenters. Plus, the brilliant guitarist and singer Chantel McGregor is making a welcome return. It’s clear that Silsden Town Hall is committed to bringing a fantastic variety of live events to West Yorkshire, offering something for everyone.