Richard II

Hamlet

3h 32s

Considered to be one of the greatest tragedies of all time, Shakespeare’s tale of murder and revenge is brought to life in this critically acclaimed and visually striking production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, Simon Godwin's fresh retelling, set in an unnamed African state, sees Paapa Essiedu shine in the title role, becoming the first Black actor to play Hamlet for the RSC.

Eugene Onegin

All Ages • 3h 18m

A foolish decision leads to a series of tragic events as young Tatyana is left heartbroken by the eponymous hero. Created and directed by the renowned Rimas Tuminas, this magical reimagining of Alexander Pushkin’s verse novel combines elements of intense silences and spellbinding visuals, expressing the pain of unrequited love and the regret of past mistakes. This production was captured by Stage Russia HD at the Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow.

Metamorphosis

12+ • 1h 45m

Steven Berkoff's iconic adaptation of Franz Kafka’s novella, which tells the tale of a travelling salesman who is transformed into an insect, is brought to life in this highly physical and visually striking production. Captured live at the Parco Theater in Tokyo, this landmark performance is in Japanese with English subtitles. Considered one of Berkoff’s masterpieces and performed multiple times since it first appeared in 1969, Metamorphosis combines elements of sound, physicality and minimalist design to recreate Kafka’s absurdist world on stage.

Pieces of String

Guidance 12+ • 1h 48m

A new musical exploring three generations of one family, Pieces of String alternates between the 1940s and the present day, telling the story of a World War II soldier who returned with a secret that he would carry until the day he died. With haunting music and a very human story at its heart, this latest instalment from Perfect Pitch has been nominated for Best Musical Production at the UK Theatre Awards, with Gus Gowland also being nominated for Best Composer at the Stage Debut Awards. Developed by Perfect Pitch. Co-produced by the Mercury Theatre Colchester and TBO Productions. Production photography

Berlioz: Roméo et Juliette

All Ages • 1h 36m

In this groundbreaking take on William Shakespeare’s bittersweet tragedy, Hector Berlioz combines the playwright’s influence with all the musical drama of Ludwig van Beethoven’s symphonies. The Bard proved to be one of the enduring influences on Berlioz throughout his life. The composer described his first encounter with Shakespeare’s work as a ‘thunderbolt’ that changed his life – and musical imagination – forever.

Titus Andronicus

All Ages • 2h 51m

Thought to be his first tragedy, Shakespeare’s tale of family, betrayal and revenge is brought to bloody life in this modern-dress production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, Blanche McIntyre’s striking adaptation is a study into the nature of grief and violence, as street fights and lootings mark Rome’s desperate descent into anarchy. Production photography by Helen Maybanks

Salome

12+ • 2h 19m

Steven Berkoff’s adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s lyrical drama tells the tale of the young Salome, who demands the head of an imprisoned prophet as a reward for dancing for her step-father Herod. Captured live at the Ginza Saison Theatre in Tokyo in 1992, this production stars Berkoff as Herod, the Tetrarch of Judea, who must decide whether to break his oath or give Salome everything she desires. Performed in slow-motion, this interpretation of the New Testament tale employs elements of mime and Kabuki to create a hypnotic, dream-like atmosphere. With a captivating ensemble dressed in monochrome, 1920s costume and a minimalist set design, Berkoff once again defies the conventions of naturalistic theatre with highly physical and stylised performances.

King Lear

All Ages • 2h 36m

“How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!” Shakespeare’s epic tragedy is brought vividly to life in this Stratford Festival production, in which madness descends with brutal ferocity as kingdoms and families are irrevocably divided. Filmed live at the festival in 2015, Colm Feore stars as the ageing king while Sara Farb takes on the role of his banished daughter, Cordelia.

The Importance of Being Earnest

All Ages • 2h 23m

Brian Bedford directs and stars as the formidable Lady Bracknell in this pitch-perfect adaptation of Oscar Wilde's comedy of manners. Co-produced by L.A. Theatre Works, Roundabout Theatre and BY Experience, this production is introduced by host David Hyde Pierce and includes an intermission feature in which actor Alfred Molina and UCLA professor Michael Hackett discuss Wilde and his works.

The Mysteries

Guidance 16+ • 2h 28s

This South African adaptation of the Chester Mystery Plays brings to life well known biblical figures in both testaments, from the creation of Adam and Eve to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Captured live at Wilton’s Music Hall in 2001, this production is performed in multiple languages* and includes energetic vocal music and dance numbers to create an uplifting retelling of traditional Christian tales. *Please note: English translations can be accessed using the closed caption settings.