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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

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.

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.

Parlour Song

Guidance 12+ • 1h 39m

Jez Butterworth’s Parlour Song explores the turbulent undercurrents of suburbia, following Ned, a demolition expert, his discontent wife, Joy, and their neighbour, Dale. This production was captured by Digital Theatre live at London’s Almeida Theatre. Directed by Ian Rickson, it featured critically acclaimed performances from all three of its cast members; Toby Jones as Ned, Andrew Lincoln as Dale, and Amanda Drew as Joy.

All's Well That Ends Well

Guidance 13+ • 2h 41m

Set against the backdrop of the First World War, this Stratford Festival production reimagines Shakespeare’s comedy of unrequited love. In a daring adaptation by Scott Wentworth, Helen will go to any lengths to win the acceptance of the man she loves. Filmed live at the Tom Patterson Theatre in September 2022, this version explores the moral ambiguities in Shakespeare’s classic tale of devotion.

Hamlet

Guidance 13+ • 2h 45m

This bold adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy explores identity, family, and revenge through a modern lens. Directed by Peter Pasyk and starring Amaka Umeh, the first artist of African descent and liminal gender experience to portray Hamlet at the Stratford Festival, this production shines a light on contemporary issues of selfhood and morality. Captured live at the Festival Theatre in October 2022.

Kinky Boots

Guidance 12+ • 2h 1m

Winner of six Tony awards and featuring hit songs by Cyndi Lauper, this huge-hearted musical by Harvey Fierstein follows an unlikely pair who learn to embrace their differences. Factory owner Charlie is struggling to save his family business, and Lola is an entertainer with a wildly big idea. As they work to rescue the factory, they discover that when you change your mind, you can change the world. Captured live at the Adelphi Theatre in 2018.

1939

Guidance All Ages • 2h 4m

Co-written by Jani Lauzon and Kaitlyn Riordan, 1939 follows a group of Indigenous students in Canada staging a performance of Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well for the visit of King George VI. When they find parallels between themselves and the characters in the play, far from letting themselves be defined by colonial expectations, they set out to make Shakespeare’s bitter-sweet comedy defiantly their own. Captured live at Stratford Festival, 2022.

Henry VIII

Guidance All Ages • 2h 15m

Stratford Festival presents Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, a searing drama about one of England’s most romantic yet brutal periods. When King Henry falls for Anne Boleyn, he must somehow divorce Queen Katherine. The consequences will be momentous for the country – and disastrous for the king’s adviser, Cardinal Wolsey, who is losing his grip on power. Captured live at Stratford Festival’s Studio Theatre in 2019.

Othello

Guidance 15+ • 2h 40m

Rumours feed irrational jealousy in Shakespeare’s gripping psychological drama, filmed at the Stratford Festival in 2019. Othello and Desdemona defy racial prejudice by marrying, but deadly malice lurks where they least expect it. Nigel Shawn Williams’ contemporary adaptation exposes the racism and misogyny at the heart of this tragic tale.