Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara (ETC) is teaming up with the National Theatre of Great Britain to bring screenings of National Theatre Live (NT Live) productions to Santa Barbara audiences beginning with the 2025-26 season.

“The collaboration will offer local theatergoers the opportunity to experience productions from one of Britain’s most prestigious theaters without leaving the Central Coast,” ETC said.

The partnership opens with screenings of three National Theatre productions.

The first will be with Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike leading the cast in the new play “Inter Alia,” Tuesday, Oct. 21. The production has Suzie Miller and director Justin Martin reuniting following their global phenomenon “Prima Facie,” ETC said.

Next up is a new production of Oscar Wilde’s comedy “The Importance of Being Earnest” with Tony nominated actor Sharon D. Clarke in the role of Lady Bracknell, Monday, Dec. 8.

The production, which debuted to sold-out audiences at the NT, will be opening on the West End this fall with Stephen Fry in the role of Lady Bracknell.

ETC will close the series with the multi-Tony Award-winning production “War Horse” on Monday, Feb. 23.

“This beloved theatrical masterpiece, has captivated audiences worldwide with its innovative puppetry and powerful storytelling about the bond between a boy and his horse during World War I,” ETC said.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with the National Theatre of Great Britain and their sister nonprofit National Theatre in America to bring these extraordinary productions to Santa Barbara,” said Scott DeVine, ETC executive artistic director.

“During my visit to London earlier this year, with several of our loyal patrons and donors, I had the honor of being taken on a backstage tour of the National Theatre and learning how National Theatre Live shares the best of British Theatre from London’s stages, creating an immersive cinema experience that brings audiences closer to the action than many theater seats allow,” he said.

“The program has revolutionized access to world-class theater, reaching millions of viewers across the globe,” DeVine said.

The Importance of Being Earnest,” which opened at the National Theatre to stellar reviews, moves to London’s West End later this fall. Directed by Max Webster the flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece, is a hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance.

“War Horse” garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including five Tony Awards, with particular praise for its groundbreaking puppetry by Handspring Puppet Company when it first opened in 2007.

The production tells the story of Joey, a young horse sold to the cavalry and shipped to France during World War I; and Albert, the boy who refuses to give up hope of finding his beloved companion.

“This partnership represents our commitment to expanding theatrical horizons for Santa Barbara audiences,” DeVine said. “NT Live maintains the intimacy and immediacy of live theater while offering unparalleled production values and performances by some of the world’s finest actors.”

“We are delighted to announce this new partnership with Ensemble Theatre Company to present NT Live screenings in Santa Barbara,” said Kirsten Hughes, executive director of National Theatre in America.

“The National Theatre offers the widest access to high quality in the world, and this initiative will provide local audiences with the opportunity to experience world-class theatre on screen,” she said. “We look forward to deepening connections with the Santa Barbara community and our family of National Theatre in America supporters here through these remarkable productions.”

The shows at The New Vic will feature the high-definition screenings that have made NT Live a global phenomenon.

Tickets are $20 for regular seating, with premiere seating, $42. Tickets are available for purchase through the ETC ticket office, 805-965-5400, and website.

The NT Live series will also feature a special screening for students.

For more about Ensemble Theatre Company, Santa Barbara’s sole professional Equity theater company, visit etcsb.org.

National Theatre Live brings the best of British theater to audiences around the globe. With more than 100 productions released to date, NT Live is regularly screened in 2,500 venues across 74 countries, allowing 14 million people the chance to experience world-class theater on the big screen. Learn more at ntlive.com.