DUDLEY folk will get the chance to see stars of British screen, including Sherlock’s Benedict Cumberbatch, performing live on stage via a special satellite link.

A series of both live and recorded National Theatre productions will be projected onto a seven metre wide screen which has just been installed at Stourbridge Town Hall.

The spectacle begins with a showing of Shakespeare’s ‘Coriolanus’ from the National Theatre’s 2014 season on Thursday September 24, followed by a recording of George Farquhar’s ‘The Beaux Stratagem’ on October 6.

There will be a live broadcast from the Barbican Theatre of Benedict Cumberbatch in his current role of ‘Hamlet' on October 15, while future features include the hit Broadway production of ‘Of Mice and Men’ on November 19, starring James Franco and Chris O’Dowd, as well as a recording of Kenneth Branagh’s ‘The Winter’s Tale’ starring Dame Judi Dench on December 2.

Leader of Dudley Council, Councillor Pete Lowe, said: “This will be a showcase attraction for the Dudley borough, bringing West End theatre right to our local community.

“National Theatre Live presents top rated shows for people to enjoy at a fraction of the cost of visiting London.

“I have already purchased my tickets to watch the production of Hamlet and look forward to attending with my wife Su.”

Each of the town hall broadcasts are filmed in front of a live audience in the theatre, with cameras carefully positioned throughout the auditorium to ensure that cinema audiences get the best seat in the house.

Satellites allow the productions to be broadcast live, without delay, across the UK and Europe.

Audiences will also get to share in the buzz of a live performance with special introductions and interval coverage.

For more information, or to buy tickets, visit www.dudley.gov.uk/see-and-do/entertainment-live/