The Nutcracker

Funny Girl

2h 21m

Based on the life and career of Broadway star Fanny Brice (a role made famous by Barbra Streisand) and her tempestuous relationship with entrepreneur Nick Arnstein, this classic musical is brought vibrantly to life in a career-defining performance from Sheridan Smith. Captured by Digital Theatre live at Manchester’s Palace Theatre, this critically acclaimed production features a host of iconic musical numbers including ‘People’, ‘I’m the Greatest Star’ and ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’."

King Lear

3h 1m

Considered one of his finest tragedies, Shakespeare’s tale of family, ageing and madness is brought to life in this critically acclaimed production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, this adaptation emphasised the pagan setting, complete with ritual chanting, and cast 24 local Midlands men in the roles of Lear’s followers.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

All Ages • 2h 21m

One of his earliest plays, Shakespeare’s tale of love, friendship and rivalry is brought to life in this modern-dress production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, this adaptation marked the first time in 45 years that The Two Gentlemen of Verona had been performed in a full production on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage.

Gulf View Drive

12+ • 1h 53m

May and Raleigh’s love story concludes in Florida in the 1950s when the couple’s settled life is once again rocked by the arrival of family and turbulent events. The final part of Arlene Hutton’s Nibroc Trilogy, directed by Katharine Farmer, was captured by Cinevative at the Rubicon Theatre Company in California. Winning an Ovation Award for Best Production of a Play (Large Theatre), Gulf View Drive sees May and Raleigh forced to make unconventional decisions in a rapidly changing world.

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.

Timon of Athens

Guidance 12+ • 2h 10m

Shakespeare’s heartbreaking tale of a man whose compulsive generosity is taken for granted is reimagined in this Stratford Festival production. Filmed live at the festival in 2018, Joseph Ziegler stars as Timon, who is forced to make difficult decisions when he is abandoned before an upcoming attack on Athens.

Macbeth

All Ages • 2h 18m

Shakespeare’s tale of a kingdom gained and lost unfolds in this Stratford Festival production, in which the Scottish throne changes hands with ever increasing violence. Filmed live in 2016, Ian Lake and Krystin Pellerin bring to life one of literature’s most infamous marriages, while Michael Blake takes on the adversarial role of Macduff.

Jane Eyre

Guidance 12+ • 2h 6m

Orphan Jane Eyre journeys from a cruel childhood to life at Thornfield Hall, where she meets the mysterious Mr Rochester and unearths a terrible secret in Charlotte Brontë's gothic masterpiece. Led by Kelsey Short's heart-breaking performance, Blackeyed Theatre’s captivating adaptation gives this romantic classic a new lease of life.

Antony and Cleopatra

All Ages • 2h 32m

Shakespeare’s rendering of an epic love affair that shook the foundations of the ancient world comes to vivid life in this Stratford Festival production. Filmed live in 2015, Geraint Wyn Davies and Yanna McIntosh star as the powerful rulers whose insatiable love leads to the greatest of tragedies.

Wise Children

Guidance 15+ • 2h 17m

Directed by Emma Rice, Wise Children follows Nora and Dora Chance – twin chorus girls with colourful pasts – celebrating their 75th birthday and reflecting on their family and careers in this extravagant tale of theatrical joy and pain. Captured live at York Theatre Royal in 2019, Angela Carter’s last novel comes to life in this unique and musical adaptation full of Shakespeare, scandal, and mischief.