West End theatres have been closed for the best part of a year. Although audiences can’t flock to London to enjoy the latest theatre openings, theatre streams have now become more popular than ever. Theatregoers are now making their own West End experiences from home with the wide selection of shows available, and we’ve got you covered for the theatre shows to watch indoors.
Here’s a list of all the London shows and regional productions that are streaming online now. For this list, we’ve included all streaming productions that are premiering online, listed in alphabetical order.
Where can I stream theatre shows?
Prior to when theatres closed in March, there were limited services available, purely dedicated to streaming West End and Broadway shows. Now, there’s a plethora of streaming websites, collectively housing thousands of options out there for audience members of all age. Here’s just a few theatre streaming recommendations.
National Theatre at Home: Throughout 2020, the National Theatre had millions of viewers glued to their computer screens, watching acclaimed productions from recent years. In December 2020, the National Theatre then launched National Theatre at Home, a dedicated service to NT Live shows. So far, there’s over a dozen shows, including Amadeus, Medea, and Yerma.
Globe Player: Sadly, we can’t visit Shakespeare’s Globe right now. However, audiences can still get the best of the Bard thanks to Globe Player. As well as streaming Shakespeare plays, there’s interviews with British actors like Judi Dench and Tom Hiddleston to whet your appetitie.
Netflix: Yes, the worldwide streaming service has enough theatre content to get you through a million lockdowns (hopefully that’s not the case). New releases drop monthly too, with recent films including Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and The Prom.
When can I stream theatre shows?
It’s important to note that all productions have different ways in which you can watch them. Here’s some handy tips to make sure you understand the key differences between “streamed theatre” and “livestreams”.
A livestreamed theatre production is a performance that is taking place live when you are watching. Livestreamed theatre typically takes place at a specific time, where audiences can book a time slot, instead of watching on demand.
Some productions are filmed ahead of time and are typically available to watch on demand when released, making them a piece of streamed theatre. In the time that production is available, audiences can press play whenever they wish, instead of being limited to specific showtimes.
Some theatre streams have a specific time which you have to watch by, in order to see the full production. If you’re wanting to watch a show on its final day, you’ll need to make sure you start tuning in a couple of hours before the posted end time, so you watch the entire show.
If watching on a service like BroadwayHD or National Theatre at Home, you can decide whether to rent a specific show for a few days at a time, or be able to stream the production unlimited times.
Can I watch theatre on television?
Yes! Although viewers are restricted to watching theatre performances at specific times, there’s lots of opportunities to enjoy the best of British theatre throughout the week.
As part of the BBC’s commitment to broadcasting educational content, Royal Shakespeare Company productions are taking front and centre. On 9 February, audiences can see the 2018 production of Romeo and Juliet, filmed at the Barbican. There’s also a BBC musical theatre celebration filmed at the London Palladium, as well as documentaries on theatre stalwarts like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh.
Sky Arts have also made all programmes free to view for all audiences, sharing theatre for everyone. As part of their broadcasting schedule, there’s regular repeats of shows including Les Miserables, The Sound of Music and Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as the upcoming National Theatre Romeo and Juliet film.
London streaming theatre shows available to watch
Safe
A new filmed production of Alexis Gregory's Safe starring an out-LGBTQ+ cast will be available to stream. It's a tale of queer survival, exploring the increased likelihood that LGBTQ+ teenagers are more likely to end up homeless. Safe will launch in conjunction with Hackney Empire.
Available from 19 April.
I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical
As part of the King's Head Theatre's digital season, the acclaimed 2019 show I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical enjoys a virtual revival. Charlotte O’Rourke, Charlotte Anne Steen, Luke Bayer and Lucas Rush star in the musical, all about what it takes to be a West End star.
Available from 22 April.
Rocky Road
For two nights only, Shaun McKenna's latest play will be livestreamed from Jermyn Street Theatre. Outnumbered's Tyger Drew-Honey and Kirsten Foster star in the two-hander, following a woman and her caretaker who discover they know more about one another than appearances may seem.
Available from 30 April - 1 May.
Eurobeat
A musical about the Eurovision Song Contest? Count us in. Set in Lichtenstein, acts from across Europe will be doing their best to win, with viewers actually voting for their winner. Acts taking part include Joanne Clifton, Matt Croke, Aisha Jawando, Christine Allado and RuPaul's Drag Race UK contestant Tia Kofi.
Available from 30 April - 18 May.
The Sorrows of Satan
Based on Marie Corelli's novel, The Sorrows of Satan sees a musical writer kicked out of his house. To prove himself again, he's putting on a rehearsed reading of his newest play, but will they fall for the leading lady? Luke Bateman and Michael Conley star in their own work, joined by Stefan Bednarczyk and Molly Lynch.
Available from 5 - 31 May.
I Could Use A Drink
Originally created as a US studio album, I Could Use a Drink receives its UK premiere. The cutting edge musical will star Ahmed Hamad, Billy Nevers, Caroline Kay, Luke Bayer, Maiya Quansah-Breed, Olivia Lallo and Tom Francis.
Available from 7 - 16 May.
Regional streaming theatre shows available to watch
Good Grief
We all love a romantic comedy. But a British romcom with a BAFTA Award-winning actress is definitely one to watch. Fleabag’s Sian Clifford stars alongside Nikesh Patel in the world premiere of Good Grief exploring how love and sadness go hand in hand.
Available from 15 February - 15 April.
Barnes’ People
Peter Barnes’s monologues delve into the mundane lives of individuals up and down the country. After a 40 year gap, Barnes’ People will be revived for 2021, starring a quartet of British acting veterans.
Available from 18 February - 31 July.
Distance Remaining
After the award-winning show Islander at Southwark Playhouse, Helen Milne Productions are back with a new show. This time, it’s called Distance Remaining, asking how individuals can reconnect with people who they’ve lost. Set at the start of the pandemic, no journey is simple anymore. But, what can we do to reach out? Karen Dubar, Reuben Joseph and Dolina MacLennan star in the heartfelt collection of plays, blending film and theatre.
Available from 14 April – 9 May.
A Splinter of Ice
As a young man living in the 1950s, Graham Greene worked for MI6. Thirty years later, amidst the Cold War, Graham reunites with his MI6 boss, Kim Philby in the Soviet Union. Catching up, Graham and Kim wonder if they've betrayed each other. Oliver Ford Davies, Stephen Boxer and Kim Greene star in this political drama, which will be released online and then go on tour nationally. An in-person national tour of A Splinter of Ice will begin from 8 June.
Available from 15 April - 31 July.
A Killer Party
Think you could solve a murder mystery? That's what you'll have to do in A Killer Party, making its UK premiere next month. A failed West End actor turned regional artistic director has called his cast for a readthrough of his latest play. Instead of reading the play, investigations begin as to find a murderer's identity. London casting is to be revealed, but the American production included Laura Osnes and Jeremy Jordan, so we're expecting big things.
Available from 19 April - 16 May.
Cells
The Olivier Award-winning actor Clive Rowe stars alongside Lem Knights in Cells, a brand new musical that was created throughout the lockdown pandemic. Cells follows two strangers who meet by chance, eventually unable to live their lives without one another. Press material states Cells "gives voice to the lives of two everyday blokes", with scenes set in science labs, kebab shops and online gaming forums.
Available from 19 - 26 April.
Being Mr. Wickham
Pride and Prejudice’s George Wickham is now at the centre of a new play, written by and starring Adrian Lukis. Lukis plays the title character on the eve of his sixtieth birthday, lifting the lid on what happened after Jane Austen left his character. In a similar style to that of Laura Wade'sThe Watsons, this play will give more insight into Austen's visions. Being Mr. Wickham will stream for two nights from Theatre Royal Bury St. Edmunds.
Available from 30 April - 1 May.
The Three Musketeers
As well as starring in Anything Goes this summer, stage veteran Robert Lindsay will appear in a new adaptation of The Three Musketeers. Expect sword fights and romances in this 17th-century inspired adaptation, combining audio, animation and drama.
Available from 15 - 20 June.
Photo credit: Man being filmed for theatre stream (Photo by Matthew Ball on Unsplash)
