Max Black, or, 62 Ways of Supporting the Head with a Hand

Ghosts

Guidance 12+ • 1h 36m

Ibsen’s Ghosts attracted controversy at its premiere for its scathing commentary on nineteenth century societal norms. It deals with subjects such as religion, incest and euthanasia and, most shockingly at the time, venereal disease. This production, captured by Digital Theatre live at London’s Trafalgar Studios, was directed by Richard Eyre and starred Lesley Manville, in a highly praised performance, as Helene Alving. It won three Olivier Awards; Lesley Manville for Best Actress, Jack Lowden for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Revival.

Private Lives

Guidance 12+ • 1h 36m

Private Lives, a comedy of manners by Noel Coward, sees a romance revisited between Elyot and Amanda after they unexpectedly meet each other while both on honeymoon with their respective spouses. This production was captured by Digital Theatre live at the Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End. It was directed by Jonathan Kent and starred Toby Stephens as Elyot and Anna Chancellor as Amanda. It was described by the Daily Telegraph as “two hours of comic bliss.”

Liberty Equality Fraternity

Guidance 12+ • 1h 24m

A young mother is taken by the Intelligence Services for interrogation in this popular comedy that comes with a warning for the Facebook generation. This production was captured by the Australian National Theatre Live at Sydney’s famous Ensemble Theatre and uses witty dialogue, projections and live recordings to highlight the threat of surveillance.

Pieces of String

Guidance 12+ • 1h 48m

A new musical exploring three generations of one family, Pieces of String alternates between the 1940s and the present day, telling the story of a World War II soldier who returned with a secret that he would carry until the day he died. With haunting music and a very human story at its heart, this latest instalment from Perfect Pitch has been nominated for Best Musical Production at the UK Theatre Awards, with Gus Gowland also being nominated for Best Composer at the Stage Debut Awards. Developed by Perfect Pitch. Co-produced by the Mercury Theatre Colchester and TBO Productions. Production photography

Timon of Athens

Guidance 14+ • 2h 7m

Shakespeare’s tale of wealth and greed is reimagined in this Royal Shakespeare Company production starring the Olivier Award-winning Kathryn Hunter as Timon, whose fortune runs dry after living a life of luxury. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2018, Simon Godwin’s dark satire charts Timon’s descent from opulence to poverty, magnified by Soutra Gilmour’s lavish set and costume design. Production photography by Simon Annand

Lift

12+ • 1h 17m

One morning, in a lift at Covent Garden tube station, eight people live less than a minute of their lives together, considering how that minute might change them forever. This production of Lift was captured by Digital Theatre live at London’s Soho Theatre. With music and lyrics by Craig Adams, it was nominated for Best Original Score in the 2014 Whatsonstage Awards. It featured a host of star names, including Cynthia Erivo (Grammy and Tony Award winner), George Maguire (Olivier Award winner) and Nikki Davis-Jones. Contains strong language and adult content.

Romeo and Juliet

Guidance All Ages • 2h 33m

Shakespeare’s famous tragedy of two star-crossed lovers is brought to life in this captivating production by the Stratford Festival. Filmed live at the festival in 2018, Sara Farb and Antoine Yard star as the teenagers who defy the long-simmering hatred between their families in the name of love. *Contains mild violence and suicidal themes

A Place for We

Guidance 12+ • 2h 14m

Set in Brixton, Archie Maddocks’ timely play charts the changing face of London’s communities over three generations, reflecting on life since the Windrush scandal. Captured live at the Park Theatre in 2021, this production, directed by Talawa’s Artistic Director Michael Buffong, was awarded an Offie for Best Performance Ensemble in 2022.

Frankenstein

Guidance 12+ • 2h 16m

Geneva, 1816. Dr Frankenstein obsesses over and becomes haunted by the creation of life. Mary Shelley’s landmark novel is beautifully retold by Blackeyed Theatre’s versatile cast and impressive puppetry in this production from 2022.

An American in Paris

All Ages • 2h 18m

Featuring classic songs such as “‘S Wonderful” and “I Got Rhythm”, this Tony Award-winning Broadway musical tells the story of a chance encounter between an American GI and a young dancer on the streets of Paris. Captured during its West End run at the Dominion Theatre in 2017, this production combines the iconic music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin with breathtaking choreography.