Directed by Rufus Norris, the National Theatre’s new man in charge, Everyman has been a cornerstone of English drama since the 15th century. But in a startling production, with words from Duffy and choreography by Javier De Frutos, this is an Everyman wrenched firmly into the modern, materialistic world.

Everyman is successful, popular and riding high – here, portrayed by Ejiofor as a sharply-dressed, hedonistic high-earner – when Death comes calling. He is forced to abandon the life he has built and embark on a frantic search to recruit a friend to speak in his defence. In doing so, Everyman explores one of the great primal, spiritual myths: whether it is only in death that we can understand our lives.

Everyman will be screened live from the National Theatre in London on Thursday, July 16. at 7pm. Tickets are £14 (£10 schoolchildren), available now from the box office on 01721 725777, or online at www.eastgatearts.com