'Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead', this Sunday at Cineplex

Daniel Radcliffe and Joshua McGuire co-star in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, an amusing firework of a tragicomedy by Sir Tom Stoppard. The National Theatre Live encore presentation shows this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. at the Palace Cineplex, Liguanea, St Andrew.

Rosencrantz (Daniel Radcliffe) and Guildenstern (Joshua McGuire) are on a struggling pursuit of identity and purpose in a world that is enigmatic to them. They ramble through Elsinor Castle and its environs as the events of Shakespeare's Hamlet revolve around them. This production, however, has demoted the classic character Hamlet into a supporting act, while focusing on the co-stars' version of events.

The casting was crucial to the production, as the two lead acts were sharply distinctive. Guildenstern is the more right-thinking pessimistic character, who tries to keep a sound mind and reasons empirically. On the other hand, Rosencrantz is the more cheerful and optimistic character. He is easily distracted and relies heavily on Guildenstern for direction. He often allows Rosencrantz to bully him and admits, "I can't think of anything original. I'm only good in support."

Despite their different personality traits, they depend on each other.

Daniel Radcliffe (Rosencrantz) is known worldwide for his lead role as Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series (2001-11). Since then, he has attained over 34 acting credits in major productions worldwide.

Joshua McGuire (Guildenstern) has more than 24 actor credits in several major productions, including Cinderella (2015), Mr Turner (2014), and About Time (2013).

Tom Stoppard is well seasoned in the theatre business and has carved for himself a prolific career in meta-theatrical tragicomedy since 1967. Stoppard has received one Academy Award and four Tony Awards.

NT Live is the National Theatre's groundbreaking initiative to broadcast theatre live from the stage to cinemas around the world. Each performance is captured and broadcast live (or 'as live', depending on location) via satellite to more than 2000 venues in more than 40 countries.

Tickets are on sale at the box office, Palace Cineplex, and via the web at www.palaceamusement.com with any major credit card or a Palace Card.