As we enter the fourth week of the closure of theatre’s around the country, some people have wondered if this would be the end of an entire industry. Though it is no secret that the theatre industry is currently facing difficult times, it is also no stranger to adapting to the current affairs of society either. Many theatre companies around the UK are beginning to put past productions online, offering audiences around the UK to ability to enjoy and experience theatre at home.
Below are a few theatre productions that are available on demand for the coming weeks.
Fleabag + Soho on Demand
Before becoming a hit tv series, Fleabag written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge was first a one woman show that was first performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013. Ultimately transferring to the Soho Theatre and West End’s Wyndham’s Theatre, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Soho theatre performance is available on-demand from £4. Proceeds go to charities supporting the NHS as well as the theatre sector. Soho On demand also offers other recorded shows on demand.
https://ondemand.sohotheatre.com/
National theatre at Home
For the past two weeks the National theatre has been broadcasting past NT: Live productions such as One Man two Guvnors and Jane Eyre on youtube for one-week intervals. The National theatre is continuing to do this for the next two weeks with more broadcasts expected to be announced as the quarantine continues. Upcoming broadcasts include Treasure Island with Arthur Darvill as Long John Silver streaming from April 16th at 7pm and Twelfith Night with Tamsin Greig as Malvolia streaming from April 23rd also at 7pm.
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/nt-at-home
Hampstead Theatre at Home
For the past several weeks Hampstead Theatre, London has been uploading past productions on their website for one week intervals much like the National Theatre. Currently available is their production of Drawing The Line By Howard Brenton which is showing until April 19th, 2020.
https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/hampstead-theatre-at-home/
The Other Room in Cardiff
For those who are curious about the artistic process, Cardiff based pub theatre company {The Other Room} launched a scheme last week called Toolbox. Which offers audience members an audio or visual resource with some useful tools to help people get through quarantine. This resource is updated weekly for the next two months.
https://www.otherroomtheatre.com/en/whats-on/seasons/bluesky-2/yourroom-2/
Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre in London offers their past productions on demand for a small price to rent or buy. Alternatively, audience members can enjoy free Youtube Premieres of some of their productions on their Youtube Channel.
https://globeplayer.tv/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwN-jwNNNQN-8sfKG-qg8uA
These are only a few examples of theatre companies diverting their resources to promote their work digitally. There is no doubt as isolation intensifies more companies would follow. It is no secret that challenging times lies ahead for the theatre sector after isolation. Theatre has faced many challenges in the past from budget cuts to censorship, but theatre always finds a way to bounce back. Having said that it is important for audience members now more than ever to continue to support local theatres to ensure it’s survival in the future.
Words by Theo Hung
Image:BBC