The Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t been kind to anyone, especially those in the world of theatre.
Over the last year, we’ve watched as businesses have had to adapt to the new normal of lockdowns and tiered systems. Unfortunately, the theatre world of the UK is no exception. With the return of live performances still a way off, here’s five virtual options to keep any theatre fan satisfied.
The Grinning Man
Image credit: British Theatre
Based on The Man Who Laughs by Victor Hugo, this delightfully dark musical tells the epic tale of the disfigured youth – Grinpayne. Helped by an old man, a lone wolf, and a blind girl, he will find out how he got his hideous smile. Following its acclaimed run on the West End, Bristol Old Vic gives theatre fans the chance to watch The Grinning Man in the comfort of their own homes. Available to rent for 48 hours from the Bristol Old Vic’s website, this is not one to miss.
The Haunting of Alice Bowles
Image Credit: iNews
This new play is presented by Original Theatre Company and was made remotely under lockdown conditions. Adapted from The Experiment by MR James, the show flips between two timelines. In 1918, we watch the recently widowed Alice Bowles solve a mystery left behind by her late husband Francis. In 2020, we follow YouTubers, Matt and Caitlin, who uncover a mysterious grave in an abandoned graveyard. As they start to unravel the mystery, they find that some things are better left for dead. The show is available to stream until the 28 February. Find out more on The Original Theatre Company’s website.
Musicals: The Greatest Show
Organised by the BBC, Musicals: The Greatest Show promises to be a celebration of the nation’s favourite songs and performers from the world of musical theatre. Hosted on radio and TV by Sheridan Smith from the London Palladium, the show will include performances from the cast of Six, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Tina! The Tina Turner Musical, Mamma Mia, Dreamgirls, and solo performances from other musical theatre legends. It will be broadcast from 7-9pm on BBC Radio Two on Sunday the 31 January. This will be followed by a televised version on BBC One at some point in February, though no specific date has been announced.
Gatsby Musical
Following a sell-out Off-West End run, this unmissable event sees F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel brought to life in a semi-staged concert musical. The cast is full of West End talent, including four-time Olivier Award nominee Emma Williams. The fully socially distanced performance will be filmed in the historic Cadogan Hall and will be available to stream from the 12 to 14 February. Tickets are available on Cadogan Hall’s website.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
After lockdown forced Southwark Playhouse to cancel in person performances, the theatre has instead decided to stream performances of this new British musical. The story follows a father and daughter who must overcome their troubled relationship and work together to save their town from the brink of collapse. Performances of the streamed musical will run from the 26 February until the 14 March. Tickets can be bought on Southwark Playhouse’s website.
Unfortunately the theatre scene will not be live for a while, but at least in the meantime we can enjoy stars of the stage virtually.
By Robbie Nichols
Feature image: margate-live.com