With theatres across the United Kingdom now closed following UK Government advice over the Coronavirus pandemic, there are still opportunities to watch theatre – online!
From musicals such as Wind in The Willows and Eugenius! to classic Shakespeare, there are opportunities to see again (or witness for the first time) performances that graced the London stage, while at the same time, supporting the world of theatre which is also suffering financial losses due to the pandemic.
MUSICAL THEATRE ONLINE
Eugenius
Archive footage taken from The Other Palace run of Eugenius! Premiered on Facebook on March 20.
The recording was never intended to be seen by the public, but was only intended for reference so the creative team (including Ben Adams of A1 fame) could remind themselves of where they were at, before relaunching the show next year on a larger scale.
The 1980s inspired classroom to space age musical captures the energy and intimacy of live theatre while featuring dazzling live performances and a catchy original soundtrack.
None of the cast or creatives are receiving royalties for the release but donations are encouraged for -the charity, Acting for Others who offer financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need. To donate visit: bit.ly/EugeniusDonate
Wind In The Willows can be viewed online with donations accepted for Acting for Others.
Wind in The Willows
Another streaming video to catch (which also welcomes donations to Acting for Others) is the musical version of Wind In the Willows which played The London Palladium and starred Rufus Hound.
Based on Kenneth Graham’s popular riverbank tales, the digital production of Wind In The Willows can be found on willowsmusical.com. Donation details can also be found on the site.
The Royal Opera House will be bringing several productions to Facebook and YouTube platforms during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House have created a schedule of free broadcasts and live content that audiences can access for free anywhere, anytime across the globe, bringing both ballet and opera to every home and every device. This includes the following productions offered on demand and for free via the ROH’s Facebook and YouTube channels:
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Peter and the Wolf, The Royal Ballet, 2010 – 27 March 2020, 7pm GMT
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Acis and Galatea, The Royal Opera, 2009 – 3 April 2020, 7pm BST
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Così fan tutte, The Royal Opera, 2010 – 10 April 2020, 7pm BST
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The Metamorphosis, The Royal Ballet, 2013 – 17 April 2020, 7pm BST
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Check out www.roh.org.uk for further updates.
ONLINE THEATRE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
Several theatre companies such as RSC and Globe Player offer subscription services, with some sites even providing free content to give you a taster for their productions
Marquee TV
Marquee TV turns the spotlight on acclaimed productions from The Royal Opera House, The Bolsho Balleti, Teatro Real, Royal Shakespeare Company, Opera Zurich and more.
Among the highlights are The Bolshoi Ballet’s Swan Lake, The Royal Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Glyndebourne’s The Barber of Seville. There is no charge within the 30-day free trial period.
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Check out www.marquee.tv/freetrial for full details.
Globe Player
London Southbank’s open-air Globe Theatre has productions available to rent or own via their Globe Player. Classic performances of productions such as Hamlet and The Two Noble Kinsmen are featured alongside free content of cast and creative interviews giving an insight into presentations
Digital Theatre
Digital Theatre not only features RSC productions but also Opera North productions as well as fringe theatre. Popular productions on view include Maxine Peake in the Royal Exchange Theatre’s presentation of Hamlet and Richard Armitage in The Old Vic’s presentation of The Crucible. Digital Theatre is available for a monthly payment, or one-off rental.
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Here at entertainment south wales we will try and add further links to this page as we become aware of them – if there’s an online presentation you’re aware of that we’ve missed – drop us an email at entertainmentsouthwales@gmail.com and we will include it.
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Stay safe and continue to support theatre!
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For further information on Acting For Others visit actingforothers.co.uk
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Eugenius photograph by Pamela Raith.