Pieces of String

Henry IV, Part 1

2h 48m

The second part of his history tetralogy, Shakespeare’s tale of power and politics is brought to life in this martial production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, the production transferred to the Barbican, London, as part of ‘King and Country: Shakespeare's Great Cycle of Kings’, to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death."

The Blue Bird (Journey)

Guidance 12+ • 2h 50m

Two children embark on a whirlwind adventure to find the Blue Bird of happiness in part one of Boris Yukhananov's epic trilogy, based on Maurice Maeterlinck’s mystical play. Captured by the Stanislavsky Electrotheatre in Moscow and presented in partnership with Stage Russia HD, this visually compelling production features the reminiscences of Russian actors Vladimir Korenev and Aleftina Konstantinova, and experiments with various theatrical traditions including Japanese Noh theatre.

The Tempest

All Ages • 2h 24m

“My library was dukedom large enough.” Thought to be one of his final plays, Shakespeare’s tale of family, magic and revenge is brought to life in this visually striking production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, this adaptation was created in collaboration with Intel and in association with The Imaginarium Studios, and featured the very first live motion capture performance in a major classical stage production. Production photography by Topher McGrillis

Swan Lake

All Ages • 2h 6m

Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov choreograph Tchaikovsky's timeless story of good against evil, in the greatest of Romantic ballets. Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans while out hunting. When one of the swans turns into a beautiful woman he is instantly captivated – will his love prove strong enough to break the evil spell that she is under?

Romeo and Juliet

12+ • 2h 51m

Adetomiwa Edun and Ellie Kendrick are the star-crossed lovers in Dominic Dromgoole's fresh and vibrant take on Shakespeare's famous tragedy. The dangerous and forbidden love between Romeo and Juliet is the catalyst that finally sends the warring families of Montague and Capulet head to head. Marriages, murder, exile and poison all feature in this powerful tale of doomed romance.

Love's Labour's Lost

All Ages • 2h 47m

When the King of Navarre and his three courtiers forswear all pleasure - particularly of the female variety - in favour of a life of study, the arrival of the Princess of France and her ladies plays havoc with their intentions. Shakespeare's most intellectual comedy is brought to hilarious life by Dominic Dromgoole's 2009 Shakespeare's Globe production.

Last Train to Nibroc

All Ages • 1h 20m

In the winter of 1940, Raleigh and May are forced to share a seat on a crowded train headed east, only to discover a mutual attraction that will change their lives forever. The first part of Arlene Hutton’s Nibroc Trilogy was captured by Cinevative at the Rubicon Theatre Company in California. Directed by award-winning Katharine Farmer, this poignant production follows the relationship between May and Raleigh in Kentucky at the height of the Second World War.

West

Guidance 15+ • 1h 5m

Set in the ‘Swinging ‘60s’, Steven Berkoff’s West follows Mike in his battle with a rival gang, and his struggle to remain true to himself, despite his circumstances. Adapted for television in 1984, Berkoff’s play, inspired by ‘Beowulf’, features the same characters as East, both of which explore the difficulties of growing up in London’s working class communities.

Troilus and Cressida

All Ages • 2h 53m

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

Henry VI: Part One Open Rehearsal Project

All Ages • 1h 57m

For the first time in its history, the RSC invites audiences into its rehearsal room for a unique insight into the making of a play. Directed by Gregory Doran and Owen Horsley, this production of Henry VI: Part One was filmed as a run-through performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first play in Shakespeare's trilogy sees rivals assert their claim to the throne at home and from abroad, laying the tensions for the War of the Roses.