The Container

King Lear

Guidance 12+ • 2h 43m

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.”"

Henry IV

Guidance 12+ • 2h 10m

Harriet Walter takes the lead in the second instalment of the Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Featuring a diverse company of women, this unique interpretation combines both parts of Shakespeare’s monumental history plays about King Henry IV and his son Prince Hal. The Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy began in 2012 with Julius Caesar and was followed by Henry IV in 2014 and The Tempest in 2016. Set in the world of a women’s prison, these critically acclaimed productions were captured live at Donmar Kings Cross and co-produced by the Donmar Warehouse and Illuminations. Contains strong language, mild violence and references to drugs

Love's Labour's Lost

All Ages • 2h 20m

One of his earliest comedies, Shakespeare’s tale of love and courtship is brought to life in this Edwardian reimagining from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, this adaptation was paired with Love’s Labour’s Won (Much Ado About Nothing), with both productions featuring the same company of actors and set."

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.

The Soap Myth

12+ • 1h 19m

More than a half century after World War Two, at the desperate urging of a passionate survivor, a young investigative reporter finds herself caught between numerous versions of the same story. Played out against the backdrop of deadline reporting and journalistic integrity, the critically acclaimed The Soap Myth by Jeff Cohen questions who has the right to write history — and what is our responsibility once we know the truth?

Oedipus

Guidance All Ages • 1h 48m

Steven Berkoff brings Sophocles’ tragedy to life in this vivid retelling of the condemned King and his battle with destiny. Captured live at the Nottingham Playhouse, this dynamic adaptation conveys Oedipus' downfall through carefully constructed movements, larger-than-life expressions and a compelling ensemble performance. Drawing on inspiration from Greek tragedy and Berkoff’s training with Jacques Lecoq, the chorus drive the narrative of Oedipus’ emotional and physical journey through mime, tableaux and masks. The minimalist set, influenced by both Renaissance and modern art, provides a surreal backdrop to the building tension as Oedipus discovers the disturbing truth about his family.

The Adventures of Pericles

All Ages • 2h 21m

A rare gem from Shakespeare's canon, The Adventures of Pericles is given a new lease of life by Stratford Festival. Set sail with the Bard's forgotten hero, as he suffers through shipwreck, loss, intrigue, fatherhood and much more on his epic journey. The versatile Evan Buliung takes on the eponymous role, transforming and evolving before our eyes, while Deborah Hay achieves triple-threat status by performing all three major women in Pericles' life.

Hamlet

All Ages • 2h 46m

Shakespeare’s masterpiece unfolds in this acclaimed production from Stratford Festival, in which a ghostly visit proves to be the catalyst for a catastrophic and violent sequence of events.

Red

Guidance 12+ • 1h 33m

Under the watchful eyes of his young assistant, Mark Rothko takes on the challenging task of creating a definitive work of art for an extraordinary setting. This multiple Tony Award-winning play stars Alfred Molina as the abstract expressionist painter alongside Alfred Enoch (Harry Potter series) and was captured at the Wyndham’s Theatre in 2018.

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.