Dance First poster
Where to stream

Dance First

6.920231h 40m12AMovieHistoryDrama

Parisian bon vivant, World War II Resistance fighter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright, philandering husband and recluse…Samuel Beckett lived a life of many parts. Titled after Beckett’s famous ethos “Dance first, think later”, the film is a sweeping account of the life of this 20th-century icon.

DirectorJames Marsh
WriterNeil Forsyth
ProducersPaul Ashton·Michael Livingstone

Where to watch

Now TV CinemaNow TV Cinema
Availability shown for United Kingdom · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by James Marsh

GBGabriel Byrne
Gabriel Byrne
Samuel Beckett
AGAidan Gillen
Aidan Gillen
James Joyce
SBSandrine Bonnaire
Sandrine Bonnaire
Suzanne
FOFionn O'Shea
Fionn O'Shea
Young Samuel
MPMaxine Peake
Maxine Peake
Barbara
BGBronagh Gallagher
Bronagh Gallagher
Nora Barnacle
LHLisa Dwyer Hogg
Lisa Dwyer Hogg
May Beckett
CBCaroline Boulton
Caroline Boulton
Sylvia Beach
GGGráinne Good
Gráinne Good
Lucia Joyce
CH
Cillian Hollywood
5 year old Samuel
PP
Patrik Piró
Adam
LL
Léonie Lojkine
Younger Suzanne

More from Gabriel Byrne · Lead actor

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More from James Marsh · Director

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Dance First — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Dance First?

Dance First is streaming on Now TV Cinema in United Kingdom, and available to rent or buy on Sky Store. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is Dance First on Netflix?

No, Dance First is not on Netflix in United Kingdom as of September 2026. It's currently on Now TV Cinema.

Is Dance First on Amazon Prime Video?

No, Dance First isn't on Amazon Prime Video in United Kingdom right now. It's on Now TV Cinema instead.

Where can I watch Dance First for free?

Dance First is available on Now TV Cinema in United Kingdom, but you'll need an active subscription — there's no free option right now.

Is Dance First based on a true story?

Yes — Dance First is based on true events, dramatising real people and events (some details may be fictionalised for the screen).