The National Theatre announces a programme of live productions streamed on YouTube
For the next two months, every Thursday evening at 7pm, theatre lovers from around the world can sit down to watch National Theatre Live productions streamed via YouTube into their front room (or bed or garden, or bath tub or anywhere your wifi stretches).
A two month programme called NATIONAL THEATRE AT HOME starts next Thursday (2 April) with Richard Bean’s One Man Two Guvnors featuring a Tony Award-winning performance from James Corden.
The productions were all previously screened in cinemas globally as a part of National Theatre Live but now you have the chance to watch from your own home.
After each Thursday screening the plays will be available to watch on demand for seven days before the next comes out.
They hope the live streaming will encourage watching together and discussing online, so though apart, still create a shared experience like a visit to the theatre; a few shared hours a week during this isolation.
The programme also includes accompanying interactive content such as Q&As with cast and creative teams and post-stream talks.
Lisa Burger, Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive said of the programme: "We have delved into the National Theatre Live archive and curated a programme that’s varied from comedy to new dramas to classics so there is something for everyone to enjoy from their own homes."
Working closely with YouTube, other productions streamed as part of National Theatre At Home include Sally Cookson’s stage adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre on 9 April, Bryony Lavery’s adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island on 16 April, and Twelfth Night on the 23 April, featuring Tamsin Greig as Malvolia in Shakespeare's classic comedy, with further titles to be announced.
Christina Matteotti, Head of Music and Culture Partnerships at YouTube said: "During this incredibly difficult time, we are so glad that institutions like the National Theatre are using the platform to share treasured cultural content with the UK and global communities who are facing self-isolation."
Matteotti continued; "Bringing the comedic delight of One Man Two Guvnors, the magic of shows like Twelfth Night, the mystery of Jane Eyre, and the adventure of Treasure Island to YouTube will be a ray of light during a very difficult time. Technology can bring the cultural and creative world inside your home. ”
As well as the YouTube streams available to all, school pupils can now access the National Theatre Collection free remotely.
Recordings of 24 world-class productions are accompanied by learning resources exploring the craft.
Available productions include Shakespeare set texts (Othello), 20th Century classics (The Cherry Orchard) and adaptations of Romeo and Juliet and The Winter’s Tale created specifically for younger audiences. Schools will be able to share log-in details with pupils and teachers can sign up now to National Theatre Collection HERE.
WATCH HERE Every Thursday in April and May at 7.00pm.
The National Theatre is currently closed to audiences and performances won’t resume before July. National Theatre at Home is free of charge but they have launched a public appeal on their homepage for those wishing to support The National Theatre at this time.: nationaltheatre.org.uk
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