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.
After an award-winning run at Southwark Playhouse, Shook was going to transfer to Trafalgar Studios. Unfortunately, the West End run never came to fruition, however audiences can now stream Samuel Bailey’s play this February. Shook follows three males in juvenile detention preparing for fatherhood, asking questions about their everyday lives.
The world premiere was due to take place at Southwark Playhouse, but with a sprinkle of theatre magic, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice will now be held as a virtual production. Inspired by the infamous poem and subsequent Fantasia adaptation, a sorcerer and his daughter use their magical powers to save their village.
Available from 26 February - 14 March.
Treason
Remember, remember the fifth of November… in March. Inspired by the foiled gunpowder plots, Guy Fawkes’s action are now memorialised in musical theatre. Concert casting includes Lucie Jones, Oliver Tompsett, Waylon Jacobs, Daniel Boys and Bradley Jaden.
Available from 12 - 14 March.
BKLYN
Has anyone ever read you a fairytale and taken you to places magical? Well then, head to a new magical space courtesy of an online revival of BKLYN. Set in New York City, a group of street performers discover a heartfelt story, singing their way through life. Emma Kingston, Jamie Muscato and Marisha Wallace will star in the musical, available to watch for a fortnight.
Available from 22 March - 4 April.
Scaramouche Jones
Everybody's Talking About Jamiestar Shane Richie will play the title clown in Justin Butcher's one-man drama. It follows a clown on the cusp of his centenary celebrations, reflecting on a life well-travelled.
Available from 26 March - 11 April.
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.
Dream
The Royal Shakespeare Company will present a virtual adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, using the latest performance techniques. Changing the future of live performance, audiences from around the world can experience the online midsummer forest, combining theatre, music and gaming technology.
Available from 12 - 20 March.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde’s male protagonist has been revamped for the present day. They’re now an influencer, keen to share their perfect lives with their millions of followers, but it takes it tolls mentally. Fionn Whitehead will star as the updated title role, available to stream internationally.
Available from 16 - 31 March.
Black Matter
Hamilton's Giles Terera will perform a brand new song cycle, inspired by Black Lives Matter protests in London in summer 2020. Filmed at Crazy Coqs, the production will be a testament to community spirit, and will feature 12 new songs.
Available from 24 - 31 March.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
West End stars Dan Stephens and Rebecca Hall appear in a live rehearsed reading of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for SHAKE Festival. This Shakespeare comedy is sure to make you smile, and it’s available for one night only.
Available from 31 March.
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.
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.
Photo credit: Man being filmed for theatre stream (Photo by Matthew Ball on Unsplash)
