On the weekend of 14 March 2020, following the closure of theatre on Broadway (on 12 March), it became clear that something overwhelming was about to happen to British theatre.
Is anyone still watching? Relevant, am I still?
The dust has settled, the heat is fading and the chaos is being organised. People in our line of work have accepted our fates and learned to cope and, hopefully, resist the feelings of inadequacy or irrelevance we (I) felt.
‘This is a defiantly feminist reading of the text’: JANE EYRE – National Theatre (Online review)
The problem with staging a classic novel is that everyone has a slightly different view of how it should be done – many have tried and few have fully succeeded.
Locking down & taking a break from theatre blogging
So what am I doing instead? Trying to write a play. An act of faith? Maybe. You’ll hear more about it if it works. I also have a book project or two in mind which may or may not firm up.
10 wish-list productions for future National Theatre At Home screenings
Following on from the instant success of National Theatre At Home streaming event, it’s got me thinking about all the other wonderful NT Live screenings that I’d love to come to the small screen as part of this series. I have narrowed it down to my top 10.
‘The NHS doesn’t just treat illness. It fights fear’: CHECK-UP (Online review)
This show by political comedian Mark Thomas takes a long, hard look at our National Health Service in its seventieth year of operation. He shadowed medics and interviewed clinical experts, economists and politicians to bring together an hour of statistics, opinion and reflection.
This show by political comedian Mark Thomas takes a long, hard look at our National Health Service in its seventieth year of operation…
‘A superb choice to lift a nation’s spirits’: ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS – National Theatre (Online review)
The first show in the National Theatre at Home programme was the 2011 smash-hit One Man, Two Guvnors, one of the great success stories of the Nicholas Hytner era, a cheeky farce written by Richard Bean and starring National Theatre favourites James Corden and Oliver Chris.
Acting for Others: Tune in for Fleabag, Hear the West End Sing, All the Web’s a Stage & other online fundraisers
Theatrical charity Acting for Others has announced the formation of a separate Covid-19 Fund which will be available to its 14 member charities.
‘The arts knows how to survive in the face of adversity’: Interview with theatre PR Chloé Nelkin
We chatted to theatre PR supremo Chloé Nelkin about keeping the arts world alive during this difficult time as well as celebrating the 10th anniversary of Chloé Nelkin Consulting (CNC) last month.
‘I would be fascinated to see how this piece develops’: Orangutan – Cup of Brew (Online review)
Orangutan is presented by Cup of Brew, written by Toby King, directed by Fiona Kingwill, and performed by Louise Waller. We first meet Alice sitting on her messy bed, overflowing with cushions and clothes. Her mind shoots off in all directions. She’s surrounded on all sides by the audience.
Orangutan is presented by Cup of Brew, written by Toby King, directed by Fiona Kingwill, and performed by Louis…
40+ ways to get your theatre fix online during lockdown
Are you fed up with not being able to go out to the theatre? Don’t be. There’s a wealth of stuff to watch online. Here’s a handy list of current opportunities. OK, so it’s not quite the same as sharing the communal experience with others, but beggars, as they say…
An exceptionally insightful period of shows means Chekhov’s secrets are finally emerging
Three Sisters at the National Theatre, Uncle Vanya at the Harold Pinter and The Seagull at the Playhouse Theatre have all taken very different approaches to reworking Chekhov, bringing fresh insight and relevance to a writer whose plays have often felt rather dry.
From stage to sofa: A rundown of digital theatre available for families
In this article, we’ll be rounding up everything that’s available for families to live-stream to their living room.
‘The support we’re hearing & seeing is giving us the energy to carry on’: Mat Burtcher & Andy George on The Vault Festival’s future
Emma Clarendon chatted to The Vault Festival’s Mat Burtcher and Andy George about the early closure of this year’s festival and its future.
In need of love & positivity? Here’s a selection of musical songs to listen during self-isolation
With everything going on at the moment, I thought one thing that everyone could do with is some positive and uplifting songs.
Going viral? All the world’s a stage. And none of us are on it
The reality of course is its no-one’s fault. You cannot live your life preparing for a global pandemic to occur, although maybe we should rethink our position on that.
‘My heart goes out to those who work in the theatre industry’: Love London Love Culture discusses the impact of the coronavirus on the arts
Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon discusses the devastation and impact that the coronavirus is currently having.
‘There’s going to be some great theatre on the other side’: Old Vic’s Matthew Warchus on ‘social distancing’ & the postponement of 4000 Miles
As London’s Old Vic Theatre closes, artistic director Matthew Warchus sends the message: “Take care of yourselves and each other. Be creative. There’s going to be some great theatre on the other side.”
Text of the Day: I Think We Are Alone
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
Rehearsal photos: Preparations continue for the premiere of In Search of a White Identity
With all government-advised precautions in place, the Actors Centre continues its preparations for this month’s strictly limited premiere run of Cliffordkuju Henry’s powerful new play In Search of a White Identity. What have the cast been getting up to in rehearsals? Check out our gallery.