How to watch The Choral in New Zealand
Ralph Fiennes sings for is supper in this new period drama.
Ralph Fiennes steps up to the podium for this heart-swelling period drama.
How to watch The Choral in New Zealand
The Choral is screening exclusively in New Zealand cinemas from January 31, 2026.
What is The Choral about?
We find ourselves in 1916—or, as history mavens know, the early stages of the continent-spanning carnage known as World War I. The fictional town of Ramsden, Yorkshire, is far from the front lines, but conscription has certainly taken its toll on the local choral group, whose choirmaster is one of those poured into uniform. He’s placed, to general consternation, by Dr. Henry Guthrie, who is gay, an atheist, and a big fan of German culture. Not exactly the first pick, then, but you go to war with the army you have.
This one comes to us from director Nicholas Hytner (The Madness of King George, The Object Of My Affection), who certainly has form when it comes to stately historical dramas, from an original screenplay from acclaimed playwright Alan Bennett.
The cast of The Choral
Ralph Fiennes is Dr Henry Guthrie, Roger Allam is Alderman Bernard Duxbury, Mark Addy is Mr Fyton, Alun Armstrong is Mr Trickett, Simon Russell Beale is Edward Elgar, Robert Emms is Robert Horner, Lyndsey Marshal is Mrs Bishop, Emily Fairn is Bella, and Jacob Dudman is Clyde.
The Choral trailer
Why we’re excited about The Choral
If you want to see Ralph Fiennes in a deliciously dry and droll mode while secretly harbouring a wealth of heartache and pain, you should be booking tickets for this one. Early word seems to indicate that this is the key factor. If you’re a fan of Fiennes, Hytner, Bennett, or all three, you’re bound to find something here worth your time and attention.
