Parlour Song

Ghosts

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.

King Lear

King Lear is considered by many to be Shakespeare’s finest tragedy. Lear, in dividing up his kingdom to his three daughters, gradually descends into madness, ultimately bringing tragedy upon all concerned. This production was captured by Digital Theatre live at London’s Almeida Theatre as part of the 2012 World Shakespeare Festival. Directed by the Almeida’s Artistic Director, Michael Attenborough, it starred the award-winning Jonathan Pryce as a Lear said to be “electrifying naturalistic” by the Independent on Sunday, “changeable as the weather, warm and gentle, shaken and ferociously raging.”"

Troilus and Cressida

Shakespeare’s tale of the tragic love between Troilus and Cressida and the corruption of the Trojan War is reimagined by the Royal Shakespeare Company in this post-apocalyptic production. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, Gregory Doran’s futuristic interpretation of a world resounding with the rhythm of battle is brought to life by virtuoso percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Production photos by Helen Maybanks

It's True, It's True, It's True

Centuries after it shook Renaissance Rome, the 1612 trial of Artemisia Gentileschi is dramatised in this award-winning verbatim production devised by Breach Theatre. Blurring the line between historical court transcripts and parody, this compelling, and at times visceral, feminist drama was captured at the Stone Nest, London in 2020.

The Seagull

Anton Chekhov’s first of four major plays dramatises the romantic and artistic conflicts between its four main characters: Boris Trigorin, a well-known writer, the ingenue Nina, the fading actress Irina Arkadina, and her son, the would-be playwright Konstantin Tréplev. This production is performed in Russian with English subtitles and was captured live by Stage Russia HD at the Satirikon Theatre in Moscow. Directed by Yury Butusov, one of the foremost directors in contemporary Russian theatre, this frenetic interpretation delves deep into the throes of artistic creation and the anguish of the artist who struggles to find a language of his own.

Uncle Vanya

Rimas Tuminas' stark reimagining of Anton Chekhov's classic tale about broken illusions and dashed hopes is freed from its traditional trappings, leaving behind a battlefield for passions and colliding ambitions. A Golden Mask Winner for Best Drama, this production was captured live by Stage Russia HD at the Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow. Featuring the inimitable Sergey Makovetskiy as Voynitsky, Tuminas' Uncle Vanya combines elements of music, mime and symbolism to uncover moments of emotional turmoil as characters are constantly surrounded by darkness.

Don Giovanni

Mozart’s Don Giovanni was first performed in 1787, and was based on the story of the Spanish lothario, Don Juan. The title character seduces, deceives and murders his way through the opera, doing his utmost to experience life, and all that it has to offer, to the full. This production, captured by Digital Theatre at the Grand Theatre and Opera House in Leeds, was Opera North’s first Don Giovanni for seven years. It was critically commended for its ”refreshing” update and “outstanding” performances. It was directed by Alessandro Talevi and conducted by Tobias Ringborg.