The best theatre to stream online
Looking to get a theatre fix from home? There’s a wide selection of content to stream online, from magical musicals and world-class plays to iconic operas. So if you’re a theatre fanatic or you’re interested in seeing what it’s all about, now’s a better time than any to explore the wonderful world of theatre (from your sofa). Check out our recommendations of the finest theatre to stream.
West End LIVE
One of the most exciting events in the West End calendar, West End LIVE, was set to take place this weekend (20-21 June). Normally a stage in Trafalgar Square would showcase some of the West End’s finest talent. This year they’re going virtual, they’ll be sharing their favourite West End LIVE memories and new performances across the weekend.
The Hired Man
You can stream The Hired Man, on Queens Theatre Hornchurch YouTube channel until midnight on Sunday 21 June. The stream is to help raise funds to support their creative and community work for when the theatre reopens. The Hired Man is an epic and heroic tale of love, betrayal and loyalty, set against a backdrop of English country traditions being swept away as a new century faces the gathering storm of war.
Fleabag
Fleabag is written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and directed by Vicky Jones and is available to stream until 30 June. It’s the hilarious, award-winning, one woman show that is a rip-roaring look at some sort of woman, living her sort of life – it inspired the hit BBC TV show of the same name.
The Show Must Go On!
Andrew Lloyd Webber is streaming one of his musicals every Friday from 7pm on YouTube. Each musical is available for 48 hours and you can also access backstage and other exclusive content on the channel. Previous streams include The Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Hairspray, this week you can stream Peter Pan starring Allison Williams and Christopher Walken.
Eugenius!
You can enjoy the full performance of Eugenius!, with footage taken from its run at The Other Palace. The musical was nominated for eight awards, including Best Musical at the 2018 Off West End Awards. It tells the story of Eugene, Janey and Feris as they reach for the stars and discover the superheroes inside themselves.
National Theatre
The National Theatre is streaming full-length plays every Thursday evening at 7pm. From 7pm on 18 June you can stream Small Island, the National Theatre’s epic, sold-out production of Andrea Levy’s novel which traces the history between Jamaica and the UK through WWII to 1948.
The Winter's Tale
Shakespeare’s classic play is produced by Cheek by Jowl and directed by Declan Donnellan, filmed at its run at the Barbican in 2017. The play tells the tale of a delusional and paranoid king who tears his family apart. Initial darkness gives way to joy, as Time leads the characters to a shattering conclusion.
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is streaming productions from its archive every Friday, as part of its #OurHouseToYourHouse series. Last Saturday they live streamed three very special performances from the Royal Opera House itself as part of the series, and in case you missed it, you can rewatch it on their YouTube channel.
OperaVision
OperaVision are streaming full-length operas on their YouTube channel, for free. New operas are available twice a week and are filmed at some of the finest opera houses in the world. They also have behind-the-scenes, interviews and lots more content to delve into.
Wind in the Willows
You can stream the 2017 production of the Wind in the Willows Musical, recorded live at the London Palladium. The family friendly musical stars Rufus Hound as Toad, Simon Lipkin as Ratty, Craig Mather as Mole, Neil McDermott as Chief Weasel, Denise Welch as Mrs Otter and Gary Wilmot as Badger.
