La bohème

Ghosts

Guidance 12+ • 1h 36m

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.

Antony and Cleopatra

Guidance 12+ • 3h 4m

One of his longest plays, Shakespeare’s interpretation of the Antony and Cleopatra story is brought to vivid life in this period-dress production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, this adaptation won critical acclaim for the two actors in the eponymous roles, and saw the battle at sea played out using toy ships. Production photography by Helen Maybanks

The Seagull

12+ • 3h 26m

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.

See Rock City

All Ages • 1h 28m

Victory overseas results in unexpected consequences for May and Raleigh who are confronted with hidden truths whilst dealing with the challenges of a new, post-war America. The sequel to Arlene Hutton’s Last Train to Nibroc, this production was captured by Cinevative at the Rubicon Theatre Company in California. Lily Nicksay and Erik Odom reprise their roles in this gentle comedy, which gained Nicksay and Ovation Award for Best Actress, as Raleigh and May return home to their parents in Kentucky.

Don Giovanni

12+ • 2h 43m

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.

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.

Tell-Tale Heart & Silent Night

Guidance 12+ • 1h 13m

A dynamic double-bill, this production brings together two one-person performances written and performed by Steven Berkoff. Tell-Tale Heart is a unique interpretation of Edgar Allan Poe’s 19th Century horror story, while Silent Night considers the dark side of being alone at Christmas. Both productions feature bonus interviews with Berkoff, who looks back on his work.

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.

An American in Paris

All Ages • 2h 18m

Featuring classic songs such as “‘S Wonderful” and “I Got Rhythm”, this Tony Award-winning Broadway musical tells the story of a chance encounter between an American GI and a young dancer on the streets of Paris. Captured during its West End run at the Dominion Theatre in 2017, this production combines the iconic music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin with breathtaking choreography.

Cinderella

Guidance All Ages • 1h 50m

Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella is a thrilling and evocative reimagining of the classic fairy tale, following Cinderella's fleeting yet enchanting romance with a charismatic RAF pilot amid the tumult of wartime London during the Blitz. Celebrated for his visionary storytelling, Bourne crafts an unforgettable tale of passion and courage with Olivier Award-winning costumes and stage design by Lez Brotherston, and Prokofiev's magnificent score performed by a specially commissioned 60-piece orchestra. Cinderella was captured live at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in 2018.