The Soap Myth

Antony and Cleopatra

Guidance 12+ • 3h 4m

One of his longest plays, Shakespeare’s interpretation of the Antony and Cleopatra story is brought to vivid life in this period-dress production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, this adaptation won critical acclaim for the two actors in the eponymous roles, and saw the battle at sea played out using toy ships. Production photography by Helen Maybanks

The Blue Bird (Bliss)

12+ • 1h 28m

The third and final part of Boris Yukhananov’s The Blue Bird trilogy sees Tyltyl and Mytyl conclude their search for the Blue Bird of happiness. Captured by the Stanislavsky Electrotheatre in Moscow and presented in partnership with Stage Russia HD, this visually striking production combines fairytale elements with the reminiscences of Russian actors Vladimir Korenev and Aleftina Konstantinova as Tyltyl and Mytyl discover new meanings on their long and revealing journey through the space of memory and eternity.

Smile Upon Us, Lord

All Ages • 2h 32m

Rimas Tuminas' adaptation of two novels by fellow Lithuanian, Grigory Kanovich, is a dreamy, ruminative, comedic road trip, centring around the parlous fortunes of Eastern European Jews at the start of the 20th century. This visually striking production was captured by Stage Russia HD at the Vakhtangov Theatre and is performed in Russian with English subtitles.

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Guidance 14+ • 2h 26m

Shakespeare's tale of love and jealousy is relocated to Essex as two merry wives seek revenge on Sir John Falstaff in this contemporary Royal Shakespeare Company production. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, Fiona Laird's RSC debut with Lez Brotherston's bold and colourful set design transports this much-loved comedy into the 21st century. Production photography by Manual Harlan

True West

Guidance 12+ • 1h 59m

Often hailed as Sam Shepard’s masterpiece, True West deconstructs the damaged relationship between two estranged brothers who are striving for success. Captured by Digital Theatre live at the Tricycle Theatre in London, Eugene O’Hare and Alex Ferns clash magnificently as brothers, Austin and Lee, in this character driven piece which cleverly combines comedy and chaos in two tension-filled acts.

The Merchant of Venice

All Ages • 2h 8m

One of his most complex and problematic plays, Shakespeare’s tale of money, prejudice and justice is brought to life in this modernised production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, Polly Findlay’s visually compelling adaptation is set in reflective gold and casts Palestinian actor Makram J. Khoury as Jewish moneylender Shylock.

The Black Monk

All Languages • 1h 50m

On the verge of a nervous breakdown, Russian scholar Kovrin begins hallucinating of the Black Monk of legend who insists he was chosen by God to save mankind. Captured by Stage Russia HD at the Moscow Young Generation Theatre, Kama Ginkas’ award-winning reimagining of Anton Chekhov’s short story combines oppressive lighting with powerful performances to explore the danger and beauty of the mind.

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.

The Believers Are But Brothers

Guidance 18+ • 1h 7m

Written and performed by Javaad Alipoor, this interactive multimedia show weaves together the stories of a generation of young men and shows how quickly the internet can alter their minds. Captured live at HOME Manchester in 2020, this powerful performance co-directed by Kirsty Housely explores toxic masculinity and the online world of fantasy, violence, and reality.

Clowns

Guidance 13+ • 28m

Commissioned by the BBC and captured live at Battersea Arts Centre in 2018, Clowns is a bold and sarcastic commentary on society's ever-growing indifference to violence. Directed, choreographed and composed by Hofesh Shechter, this macabre comedy features ten world-class dancers and a striking percussive score, inviting viewers to ponder how far we will go in the name of entertainment.