EMPIRE Cinema in Greenbridge is hosting a special line-up of theatre productions during the autumn to celebrate 50 years of the National Theatre.

Kicking-off in October, residents can look forward to a number of encore screenings of National Theatre Live’s most prolific performances including Hamlet, Frankenstein and The Habit of Art.

The celebrations commence with National Theatre Live’s 2010 broadcast of Hamlet on Tuesday, October 11 at 7pm. Following his celebrated performances at the National Theatre in Burnt by the Sun, The Revenger’s Tragedy, Philistines and The Man of Mode, Rory Kinnear plays Hamlet in this production of Shakespeare’s complex and profound play about the human condition.

The series will continue with the sell-out and award-winning 2011 production of Frankenstein on at 7pm October 31. Directed by the Oscar winning Danny Boyle, the screening includes a show-stopping performance by Star Trek and Sherlock star, Benedict Cumberbatch as Victor Frankenstein and Trainspotting star Jonny Lee Miller as the Creature.

A story of grotesque innocence, which meets cruelty and hostility as the creature finds his past and future, Frankenstein is the perfectly chilling tale to see on Halloween.

Theatre fans can also look forward to the second screening of Frankenstein on November 14 at 7pm. In this screening, Jonny Lee Miller takes on the lead role of Victor Frankenstein and Benedict Cumberbatch as the Creature for another spectacular performance from the National Theatre.

The final screening from the National Theatre’s 50th anniversary encore screenings will be a broadcast of Alan Bennett’s acclaimed 2010 play The Habit of Art on November 7 at 7pm. Featuring Harry Potter star, Richard Griffiths, The Habit of Art looks at the unsettling desires of two difficult men and at the ethics of biography. It reflects on growing old, creativity and inspirations and on persisting when all passions spent, ultimately on the habit of art.

Jon Nutton, marketing director of Empire Cinemas, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to be a part of the National Theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

"Our Empire Arts programme is continuing to grow in popularity and these encore screenings offer theatre fans another opportunity to enjoy the stunning performances from some big name stars. The screenings will create a timeless cinematic experience for all involved.”