While the coronavirus has paralysed the West End, theatre-lovers do have some small consolation. Several theatres have released recordings of their previous shows, some of which will be aired on television. Here are eight to watch out for:
One Man, Two Guvnors
James Corden stars in One Man, Two Guvnors
Less a play and more an institution, Richard Bean’s globe-conquering comedy had sell-out audiences roaring with laughter in both London and New York. You can see why, then, the National would choose it as the first play for its NT at Home scheme, which will see a different play streamed online each week. After all, who couldn’t do with a laugh right now? A slight content warning, though, that the lead man happens to be that most marmitey of Marmite figures James Corden. Though even if you can’t stand the man, you can perhaps take comfort that it was this play which helped divert his career away from Britain and over to the States.
Other shows on in April are Jane Eyre, Treasure Island and Twelfth Night. Each performance will be shown live at 7pm on Thursdays and will be available to view for a week.
Albion
Albion, 2017
BBC Four (Date TBD)
This 2017 play from Mike Bartlett (the mind behind Doctor Foster and Kings Charles III) was that rarest of all things: a decent play about Brexit. Not that there are any politicians in it, mind you. Or even a mention of the B-word itself. Instead Bartlett’s story centres around a well-heeled outdoorsy type looking to restore an old English garden to its former glory – all set against a backdrop of family strife, class conflict and a sapphic love affair. The end result is a modern spin on a Chekovian ‘big house’ drama – perfect for BBC Four’s ‘Culture in Quarantine’ season, which launches in April.
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