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Stage shows, musicals and opera you can watch online
NOW for FREE
Click HERE to see the latest update from WhatsOnStage.com
I have added a section on the Your Comments page of this website where you can add your thoughts on ANY theatre transmission you watch on television or internet. Eack week more and more shows are made available to watch at home while you are unable to attend theatres. It would be good to know what you think of Theatre At Home - a good subsitute, or not, for being there; what did you think of the show; was it well presented on screen; and especially did it take your mind off isolation?
PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS by clicking HERE. |
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17 July
Fredo writes -
Is there light at the end of the tunnel? We've all been worried about the future of live theatre in the time of the pandemic, and in spite of the obvious difficulties, I've always clung on to my faith in the imagination and creativity of actors and directors. Andrew Lloyd Webber maintains that he has found a means of continuing live performances and has demonstrated how this can work with the Korean production of The Phantom of the Opera.
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This week brings encouraging news! The Donmar Warehouse is hosting a presentation based on the novel Blindness by Jose Saramago. This is an installation, with narration by Juliet Stevenson, and as audience size is limited because of social distancing, there are four shows a day. We've booked for an early afternoon performance. We will of course report on the experience. Read more about it by clicking HERE
Meanwhile, the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park is opening its gates in August for 70 concert performances of their production of Jesus Christ Superstar. This will be with reduced seating capacity, so book early. More details if you click HERE.
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It was interesting to hear Nica Burns, co-owner of the NIMAX Theatre Group, say on the radio (The Long View, Radio 4, 9.00am Thursday 16 July) that theatres could reopen -they have experience and expertise in crowd-management and safety precautions. All they need is permission. She added that all aspects of life involve risk - crossing the road, entrusting your savings to a financial advisor – and that theatres could create an environment to minimise the risk. You can listen to the programme on a BBC podcast.
In the meantime, we congratulate the Donmar and the Open Air Theatre for blazing the trail.
Until then, you can remind yourself of the excellent work from the Donmar Artistic Director, Michael Longhurst, when his production of Amadeus by Peter Shaeffer is streamed by the National Theatre for one week from 16 July. This spectacular production will be on the National Theatre's YouTube channel.
Here's a special treat: the Old Vic will stream its production of Jeykll & Hyde from 5 August for one week. This is a dance show, in the style of Matthew Bourne, but this time created and directed by choreographer Drew McOnie. It played for only one sold-out week at the Old Vic, and Mike and I saw it. I hoped it would return, as we would definitely have taken a group to see it. By the way, it bears more resemblance to Little Shop of Horrors than to the source material. Now you can watch from 7.00pm BST on Wednesday 5 August to Wednesday 12 August via the Old Vic's YouTube channel. While free, the venue is asking for donations during a financially precarious time.
Do look at the Royal Opera House's exciting offerings on their website www.roh.org.uk (or click HERE). You'll find details of radio broadcasts, and streaming of the ballets Romeo and Juliet and The Sleeping Beauty, as well as the operas La Boheme and Faust.
If you enjoy these performances, please make a donation to the host theatre. They're all struggling at the moment, and their chances of reopening in the future depends on our generosity now.
The big question that many people are asking us is this: do we think we'll be able to resume our group theatre visits? Well, it's starting to look hopeful – but once the theatres get going again, it will all depend on you! Perhaps you could drop us a line, and let us know when you think you'll be ready to attend a live performance again. We shall be there as soon as the theatres are allowed to open their doors again.
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CORONAVIRUS
04/03/20 - At the time of writing everyone is aware of what precautionary measures we have to take to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. No definite instructions regarding travel, etc have been given by the government as yet, which could affect our plans, only possible future scenarios.
We intend to continue with our Group theatre visits as long as possible. If you have any cough/cold symptoms you may prefer not to join us, in which case please let us know as far in advance as you can.
If we are given specific advice regarding large gatherings, theatre closures or older people, we shall of course heed that advice.
We must emphasise that NO REFUNDS can be given unless a theatre performance is cancelled and the theatre makes a refund to us. If a theatre remains open but we are unable to take a coach to London, we can provide you with your ticket details on request so you can make your own way there.
Any update on these arrangements will be announced here on our website. In the meantime, keep washing your hands and KEEP CHECKING HERE.
Fredo and Mike
17/03/20 - In line with the government's recommendations, all West End theatres have closed until further notice. Click HERE for the statement from the Society of London Theatre.
It appears that we shalll get a refund on our tickets for cancelled performances, and when we receive the money, we shall refund all our customers. Please be patient; it will take some weeks for the theatres, and for me, to sort this out.
Initially, I will deal with bookings for shows scheduled in the near future and people who booked for these have been notified separately. Thank you for all the kind messages we received in response. I will deal with later shows when there is more guidance.Theatres may not make refunds for later shows until they are certain the performances cannot take place.
If you wish to contact us, please do NOT phone or leave a message - please send an email or text.
In the meantime, this seems like a good opportunity to thank you all for your support, and to wish you well in the next weeks and months. Keep safe and well.
Best wishes
Fredo & Mike
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