The Blue Bird (Bliss)

Macbeth

Guidance 12+ • 2h 30m

Counted among his greatest tragedies, Shakespeare’s unsettling combination of warring soldiers and ‘weird sisters’ is brought to life in this post-apocalyptic reimagining of the Scottish play. This production, captured by Digital Theatre live in Liverpool, was directed by Artistic Director Gemma Bodinetz and was the valedictory performance at the original Everyman Theatre. It starred Liverpool Everyman Youth Theatre alumnus David Morrissey in the title role opposite Julia Ford as Lady Macbeth. "

Much Ado About Nothing

Guidance 12+ • 2h 40m

In one of Shakespeare's most loved comedies, Much Ado About Nothing, Beatrice and Benedick are adamant in their mutual dislike, while Claudio and Hero are deep in love, and the two stories take an unexpected course. This production was captured by Digital Theatre live at Wyndham's Theatre in London’s West End. It played to sold-out houses and received wide critical acclaim. Directed by Josie Rourke, it starred David Tennant as Benedick and Catherine Tate as Beatrice.

Measure for Measure

Guidance 14+ • 2h 27m

Shakespeare’s tale of power and punishment is relocated to 1900s Vienna where a young nun is compromised by a corrupt official in this provocative production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-avon in 2019, RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran explores the parallels between 20th-century Vienna and the modern day #MeToo movement. Production photography by Helen Maybanks

Richard II

All Ages • 2h 37m

The first part of his history tetralogy, Shakespeare’s interpretation of the deposed king is brought to life in this richly detailed production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, this adaptation was the first production of Artistic Director Gregory Doran’s six-year plan to stage all of Shakespeare’s works.

The Tempest

All Ages • 1h 43m

Phyllida Lloyd’s final instalment of the Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy concludes with an all-female version of The Tempest starring Harriet Walter as Prospero and music by British singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading. This captivating reimagining explores themes of freedom and justice in the context of a women’s prison. The Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy began in 2012 with Julius Caesar and was followed by Henry IV in 2014 and The Tempest in 2016. These critically acclaimed productions were captured live at Donmar Kings Cross and co-produced by the Donmar Warehouse and Illuminations.

Anna Karenina

All Ages • 2h 14m

Russian aristocrat, Anna Karenina, embarks on a dangerous love affair with the dashing Count Vronsky, only to face devastating consequences. This multiple award-winning adaptation, directed by Lithuanian choreographer Anzelika Cholina, is told entirely through the medium of dance and combines movement with breathtaking visuals and sensational sounds to explore new meanings in Tolstoy’s masterpiece. This production was captured by Stage Russia HD at the Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow.

La Traviata

All Ages • 2h 15m

Verdi’s best-loved work is performed by a star cast in a revival of Richard Eyre’s highly acclaimed 1994 production. Alfredo and the courtesan Violetta fall passionately in love. But Violetta is seriously ill and Alfredo’s father disapproves of their relationship – can their love overcome such obstacles?

As You Like It

All Ages • 2h 26m

When Rosalind falls in love with Orlando, her usurping uncle banishes her from court. Disguised as a boy she seeks out her father in the Forest of Arden, where mystery, melancholy and marriage become rife. Featuring cross-dressing, slapstick and poetry, Thea Sharrock's 2009 production for Shakespeare's Globe brings to life the most playful elements of Shakespeare's pastoral romance.

DV8 - Strange Fish

Guidance 18+ • 55m

DV8 Physical Theatre’s Strange Fish pushes the boundaries of dance theatre to explore the pain of not belonging, the fear of being alone and the human need to believe in something. This 1992 production features a haunting score from Adrian Johnston and Jocelyn Pook.

Schrödinger

Guidance 12+ • 1h 10m

In one of Reckless Sleepers’ most celebrated performance pieces, the impossible is probable: truth and illusion are inseparable. Laws are made, bent, then broken. Directed by Mole Wetherell, this visually mesmerising production sheds light on contemporary devised theatre and was captured live at the New Adelphi Theatre, Salford in 2022.