Simon Stone’s *Elsinore* follows Scottish actor Ian Charleson as he returns to the stage to play Hamlet at London’s National Theatre after finding success in film. His opportunity is complicated by an AIDS diagnosis, but he remains determined to perform, framing the story around artistic ambition, resilience and a celebration of life.

At TIFF 2026, Andrew Scott was praised for his portrayal of Charleson, whose 1981 film *Chariots of Fire* later won the Oscar for Best Picture. In an interview, Scott, Billie Piper and screenwriter Stephen Beresford discussed balancing historical fact with creative freedom, portraying the impact of AIDS with warmth and levity, and exploring Charleson’s relationship with Hamlet; the film also stars Olivia Colman, Joe Locke and Johnny Flynn.