I, Malvolio is Tim Crouch’s retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night through the eyes of the blighted and picked-upon puritan, Malvolio. It’s the fourth time Crouch has written such an adaptation, which he hopes will “unlock Shakespeare for young audiences”.
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.
‘This is a real theatre of war’: HENRY V – Cirencester (Online Review)
The Barn Theatre in Cirencester is not a venue I have been to in person, so I am happy to be able to go “once more into the breach” in the ultramodern version of Shakespeare’s Henry V.
‘Pulsates with energy, tension & passion’: HENRY V – Cirencester (Online Review) ★★★★
Henry V is a vibrant and insightful production that also reveals the importance of regional theatre in keeping the industry alive.
‘The irony cuts deep & the writing is sharp’: SINCE U BEEN GONE – Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Online Review)
I am delighted that Teddy Lamb has decided to make this recording of Since U Been Gone at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last year available for a limited time on YouTube.
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.
NEWS: RSC & Marquee TV announce online ’watch along’ of Twelfth Night to mark World Theatre Day
To mark World Theatre Day (Friday 27 March 2020), the Royal Shakespeare Company is inviting people to join a live ‘watch along’ from their living rooms on 11 April of a recording of their 2017 production of Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, featuring Adrian Edmondson as Malvolio and Kara Tointon as Olivia.
NEWS: Olivier Awards’ Greatest Moments will be celebrated in special TV & radio programmes
ITV will broadcast a special Olivier Awards with Mastercard programme on 5 April 2020 at 10:15pm, in place of the 2020 Royal Albert Hall awards show which was cancelled due to coronavirus.
NEWS: Online videos of Original Theatre Company’s The Habit of Art and The Croft to be released
In light of the closure of theatres across the UK due to COVID-19, the Original Theatre Company’s productions of Alan Bennett’s The Habit Of Art and Ali Milles’ The Croft, both of which were touring the UK, will now each have an online launch performance.
NEWS: Artists come together for new collective All the Web’s a Stage
Theatre Together, a new collective of over 50 artists and professionals, have announced All the Web’s a Stage, an online event featuring a variety of live performances to raise money for those in the arts facing hardship as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
NEWS: SOLT & UK Theatre bring together leading theatrical charities as part of pan-industry support effort
SOLT and UK Theatre held an urgent meeting of leading theatrical charities on Monday 16 March 2020 to discuss ways to provide support for members of the theatre workforce – both on and offstage – affected by the unprecedented coronavirus situation.
NEWS: The Habit of Art starring Matthew Kelly will be filmed in a closed performance for download
In light of the most recent government advice due to COVID-19, The Original Theatre Company’s production of Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art, which was due to open at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne on 18 March 2020, will now perform a closed filmed performance on the same day 2pm.
NEWS: Coronavirus pandemic – An update on theatre closures in the West End & across the country
My Theatre Mates have been collecting official announcements of theatre closures up and down the country in the Twitter thread below and will continue to add updates as they come in.
‘Outstanding’: BACK TO THE FUTURE – Manchester ★★★★★
Olly Dobson is amazing in Back to the Future. He sounds, looks and even has the mannerisms of Marty, the portrayal is so well done I don’t think anyone else could have done a better job.
‘Tackles very real issues faced by young people today’: CRONGTON KNIGHTS – Touring ★★★★★
Crongton Knights is a completely unique performance in both the storyline and the atmospheric use of sound.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Back to the Future at Manchester Opera House
The reviews are in for the world premiere of this new musical based on the hit film Back to the Future.
‘Does exactly what it says on the tin’: CIRQUE BERSERK – Touring ★★★
Newbury-based circus company Cirque Berserk! appears at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre as part of its 2020 tour. The company brands itself as ‘Real Circus made for Theatre’ and it does exactly what it says on the tin.
‘Gives its audience a complete picture of Forrester’s life’: THE WATERS OF LIVERPOOL – Touring ★★★★
This adaptation of Helen Forrester’s By The Waters of Liverpool by Rob Fennah gives its audience a complete picture of Forrester’s life.
‘Shows no signs of slowing down’: THE MOUSETRAP – Touring
Now in its 68th year in the West End, The Mousetrap is also touring and shows no signs of slowing down. And whilst the play is more than a bit of a warhorse, it has become a staple of British theatre.