The play was Jean Racine's Phedre, starring Dame Helen Mirren, which was broadcast to more 300 cinemas around the world on 25 June 2009.

BBC: Live screening 'good for theatre'

The report said that audience for Phedre over its whole theatrical run was doubled through the screening of the single performance at the end of June.

BBC: Live screening 'good for theatre'

While Mirren's Phedre is a focal point, significant stage time is given to her scheming nurse Oenone (an impressive Margaret Tyzack) and to Hippolytus and his counsellor Theramene (John Shrapnell).

BBC: Review: Helen Mirren in Phedre