Do you miss going to the theatre?

While the nation may have rediscovered their love for a good book, literature’s glamorous sister has been lost during quarantine, and although the film and TV industries have certainly reaped the benefits of us staying at home, the stage has been locked away. Gone are the days of sitting in the stalls and immersing yourself in the soliloquies of an infamous Shakespearean tragic hero, or trying not to sing along to the electrifying One Day More. However, several renowned performing arts companies have facilitated love of the theatre by streaming some of their performances online, so why not spice up your Netflix binging by enjoying the theatre’s charm from the comfort of your own home!

Despite having its doors closed, the Royal Shakespeare Company sees lockdown as an opportunity for us to engage with Shakespeare’s greatest works. They have made their shows available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, dubbed ‘Culture in Quarantine,’ or through Marquee TV with their free trial or monthly subscription service. They offer an extensive selection from Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and tragedies, sure to keep your evenings dazzling and full of drama. Highlights include Iqbal Khan’s revolutionary production of Othello, who is the first to cast a black actor, Lucian Msamati, as the seductively devious villain Iago, Christopher Eccleston’s dynamic portrayal of the tragic hero Macbeth, and an enchanting TV adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The RSC ensures that despite everything, you’ll get your Shakespearean fix whilst trapped indoors!

The National Theatre have also maintained this resilient mindset, and they do not believe that creativity should be halted by lockdown. For the past month, they have been streaming their highly acclaimed productions each week on their YouTube channel. Previous performances include Twelfth Night, and stage adaptations of Jane Eyre and Treasure Island. This week, you can find yourself bewitched by Nick Dear’s evocative production of Frankenstein, with a cast including the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. Interestingly, Nick Dear compellingly explores the characterisation of Victor Frankenstein and the creature by having his lead actors switch roles – the two different versions of the play are both available to watch this week. And afterwards, you will be able to watch Shakespeare’s politically charged tragedy of love Antony & Cleopatra, adapted by Simon Godwin, from the 7th of May. Alongside this, the National Theatre have also made thirty of their outstanding productions, ranging from Shakespearean classics and Greek theatre to novel adaptations and new contemporary plays, free to view for teachers and students alike. This is a perfect way to revise the texts you might be studying, or to simply fuel your love of the theatre! Get in contact with your school’s English department to see if they have signed up.

Perhaps you might use this as an excuse to dust off your best outfit, not forgetting to prepare that traditional interval ice cream, and recreate the magic of a night at the theatre. Or you may like to don your best PJs, blankets and settle for the entire ice cream tub. Whatever your preferred setting, now is the ideal time to relax through engaging with the arts. 

Happy viewing! 

- Kayley