NATIONAL Theatre Live’s acclaimed production of ‘The Audience’, starring Dame Helen Mirren, will be screened at the Minehead Regal on Thursday, February 26 at 7 pm.

Returning to cinemas for the first time in more than a decade, the celebrated production sees Dame Helen reprise her Olivier and Tony Award-winning portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II.

‘The Audience’ is directed by Stephen Daldry, who is also known for directing ‘Billy Elliot’ and ‘Trash’.

For 60 years, Queen Elizabeth II met with each of her Prime Ministers in a private weekly meeting.

This meeting is known as ‘The Audience’.

From Winston Churchill to Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron, the Queen advised her Prime Ministers on matters both public and personal.

Through these private audiences, we see glimpses of the woman behind the crown and witness the moments that shaped a monarch.

Peter Morgan’s Netflix phenomenon ‘The Crown’ was based on this hit play which was captured live from London’s West End in 2013 and went on to become one of the most-watched National Theatre Live productions.

Tickets for ‘The Audience’ cost £15.50 with admission for film society members and Regal Theatre Friends at £14.

Numbered seats can be booked in advance online and at the Regal box office via 01643 706430 between 9.30 am and 12 noon Monday to Saturday.

The Regal bar will be open from 6.30 pm for refreshments.

The Minehead Regal Theatre is run entirely by its 200 volunteers who provide all the skills and drive to both sustain a 90-year old building with its 400-seat auditorium as fit for modern purpose, and to run every aspect of its busy calendar of richly varied events.

On Tuesday, March 3, the Regal will also be screening ‘Royal Ballet and Opera: Giselle’.