The screening marks a milestone moment as a Sri Lankan actor leads one of the UK’s most celebrated contemporary theatre productions
Ceylon Theatres Limited, in partnership with British Council, is proud to present the first ever screening of National Theatre (NT) Live’s Hamlet starring Hiran Abeysekara in Asia. The first screening will happen at Regal Cinema in Dematagoda (Colombo 9) at 5:30 pm on Sunday, 25 January. Sri Lankan actor Hiran Abeysekera stars in the title role—the first Asian actor to play Hamlet in a National Theatre production.
For Sri Lankan audiences, this screening is both a celebration and a homecoming. It reflects the British Council’s long-standing commitment to nurturing creative talent, widening access to world-class culture, and building deep, people-to-people connections between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom through theatre and the creative arts. To celebrate the inaugural screening, the British Council is inviting winners and runners-up of the All-Island Inter-School Shakespeare Drama Competition, alongside drama teachers and university actors, to attend the premiere.
A spokesperson for Ceylon Theatres said, “We are proud to bring this landmark NT Live production to Sri Lankan audiences, celebrating both world-class theatre and the extraordinary journey of a Sri Lankan artist on the global stage.”
Orlando Edwards, Country Director British Council Sri Lanka said: “This screening reflects the British Council’s commitment to supporting Sri Lankan creative talent and building lasting cultural connections between Sri Lanka and the UK. By combining artistic excellence with innovative delivery models like NT Live, we aim to expand access to culture and strengthen the creative economy.”
About the production and the artist
This National Theatre production of Hamlet features an electrifying performance by Hiran Abeysekera. His portrayal of Shakespeare’s troubled prince has been praised for its emotional honesty, modern energy, and striking originality.
Hiran Abeysekera’s story resonates deeply with Sri Lankan audiences. After early training in Sri Lanka, he went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) on a scholarship—an opportunity that proved transformative. From there, his career has taken him to the world’s most prestigious stages, including the National Theatre and the West End. His journey stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when talent is met with opportunity, mentorship, and international collaboration.
British Council and Ceylon Theatres role in connecting talent, culture, and opportunity
The British Council and Ceylon Theatres have played a defining role in bringing NT Live to Sri Lanka and in opening new cultural horizons for local audiences. The first-ever NT Live screening in Sri Lanka was Life of Pi, starring Hiran Abeysekera, marking a historic moment when Sri Lankan audiences experienced the magic of NT Live at their local cinema in Colombo.
Hiran Abeysekera will once again appear on Sri Lankan screens in the first NT Live presentation of 2026, reinforcing the enduring bond between his artistic journey and the growth of NT Live in Sri Lanka. Through innovative platforms like NT Live, the British Council continues to bring global theatre to local audiences.
Further details on screening dates, venues, and ticketing can be found at: https://ceylontheatres.com/ and on the British Council Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/britishcouncilsrilanka/ or call: 0766192370
