They Shall Not Pass: Battle of Cable Street

As You Like It

Guidance 12+ • 2h 40m

As You Like It, Shakespeare’s famous pastoral comedy of love and disguise, is reimagined here with darker, more sombre undertones. This production was captured by Digital Theatre live at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s temporary space, the Courtyard Theatre, in Stratford upon Avon. It was directed by the RSC’s then Artistic Director, Michael Boyd, and starred Jonjo O’Neill as Orlando and Katy Stephens as Rosalind.

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.

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

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

Drillalians: Episodes 1 & 2

All Ages • 2h 44m

Stage Russia HD presents Episodes One and Two of Boris Yukhananov’s phenomenal five-part opera series, which follows the birth, initiation and adventures of a prince in the land of Drillalia. Captured by the Stanislavsky Electrotheatre in Moscow, this production combines compositions from major figures in new opera in Russia with award-winning costumes and contemporary choreography to bring Yukhananov’s extraordinary vision to life.

The Comedy of Errors

All Ages • 1h 26m

One of Shakespeare’s early comedies, The Comedy of Errors is a fast-paced farce exploring mistaken identities and relations lost and found. This production was captured by Digital Theatre live at the Clapham Community Project. It was devised specifically for schools and families by the Royal Shakespeare Company in association with critically acclaimed theatre company, Told by an Idiot. Directed by Paul Hunter, it features a cast made up from the RSC’s ensemble and uses a pared down script, props, live music and physical comedy to convey the story.

The Tempest

Guidance All Ages • 2h 25m

Thought to be Shakespeare’s final play, The Tempest follows a deposed ruler marooned on a remote island, who uses magical arts to enact her revenge. Stratford Festival casts Martha Henry as the complex and flawed Prospero in this visually stunning production.

Coriolanus

Guidance All Ages • 2h 29m

Coriolanus traces the turbulent career of its eponymous hero, an arrogant Roman general who turns on the city after being exiled. Stratford Festival's distinctive production adapts Shakespeare's political allegory to explore modern democracy, particularly the connection between public opinion, freedom of speech and social media.

She Stoops to Conquer

All Ages • 2h 18m

Oliver Goldsmith’s classic satire of high society sends a pair of suitors into chaos at the hands of prankster Tony Lumpkin. Captured live at the Theatre Royal Bath, this National Theatre and Stockroom (formerly Out of Joint) co-production stars Monica Dolan as Kate Hardcastle and Jason Watkins as Diggory.

The Winter's Tale

Guidance All Ages • 2h 49m

King Leontes rips his family apart with his jealousy, but grief opens his heart. Will he find the child he abandoned before it is too late? Set across a 16-year span from the 1953 coronation to the moon landings, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2021 production imagines a world where the ghosts of fascist Europe collide with horrors reminiscent of The Handmaid’s Tale, before washing up on a joyful seashore. With lead performances from Joseph Kloska, Amanda Hadingue, Ben Caplan and Andrew French, Shakespeare's romantic comedy contains his most famous and challenging stage direction: 'Exit, pursued by a bear'. The Winter’s Tale was directed by Deputy Artistic Director Erica Whyman, and reimagined for the screen and broadcast on BBC Four. Production Photo by Topher McGrillis © RSC