Another week has passed, and the world is still adapting to a new temporary way of life. Theatres across the world have left a light shining on their stages, offering hope for when they may open. For now, however, the kind heart of theatre and performance continues to shine.
In celebration of World Theatre Day, here are 7 stories from this week in Theatreland, highlighting how extraordinary performance really is.
Our favourite theatre folk are covering songs
…and even including messages about social distancing!
Hugh Jackman’s rendition of ‘You Will Be Found’ has a disclaimer for the line; “you can reach, reach out your hand,” and ultimately reminds everybody how perfect his voice is for Pasek and Paul’s writing.
Over on Twitter, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lin Manuel Miranda have conjured up quite the bromance by recording themselves taking to the piano and covering each other’s songs. ALW makes quite the King George in his rendition of ‘You’ll Be Back’, whilst Lin takes a shot at ‘Everything’s Alright’ from Jesus Christ Superstar.
Want in on the action? Join #HamAtHome and submit your videos to feature. Here's the heartwarming latest rendition of 'Nonstop'
Speaking of ALW, ‘Any Dream Will Do’
Following the closures of the schools this week, ALW posted a video of him performing a song that he composed back when he was at school. Of course, that is ‘Any Dream Will Do’ from the beloved, 1972 musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and has encouraged others to share their videos using the hashtag, #HomeIsWhereTheMusicIs on Twitter.
More shows are available to stream, from the comfort of your sofa!
National Theatre are the latest to start to add their extensive collection of world class plays online, for people to enjoy at home. These will be uploaded onto YouTube every Thursday, and to kick start the project was One Man, Two Guvnors starring James Corden. Next week will be Jane Eyre, adapted by Sally Cookson.
They join the Wind in the Willows musical streamed live from the London Palladium, Sadler’s Wells’ opening of a Digital Stage and Curve’s kick off of their 2018 Made at Curve drama, Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual.
Still want more? Check out Broadway HD, and Marquee TV and take advantage of their free trials.
James Graham is the freelance hero:
During these devastating few weeks for freelancers, the playwright has donated his commission for writing the TV version of his hit play, Quiz, to charity; Fund For Freelancers. Quiz is based on the true story of the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire scandal where a “Cheating Major” set up a ploy to cough his way to a million pound win. The show is set for a UK tour later this year following its initial stint at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2017 and West End run in 2018. A three-piece TV adaptation is set for release this coming April, starring Matthew Macfadyen in the lead.
The arrival of Disney+ couldn't have been more perfectly timed
Now’s your time to stream the hit musical, Newsies and pretend that you’re far too cool to be watching High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, when really the nostalgia is hitting you in the feels.
There are plenty of musicals to be found on Disney+; from the classic movies like Cinderella and Snow White, to the recent live action remakes of Aladdin and The Lion King, and the Disney channel originals, Hannah Montana and Camp Rock.
There’s also new show, Encore!, where Kristen Bell reunites former drama groups and a wide selection from The Muppets.
All the world's a stage! And this stage is a shed....
Comedian, Scott Bennett is broadcasting a live stand up gig every Thursday from his shed via Facebook. The 30 minute sessions will see him using his current material, and of course attempting to find light in the situations we are finding ourselves in.
Need some more cultured Shakespeare content?
Sir Patrick Stewart has you covered, as he’s brightening Twitter feeds with #ASonnetADay!