King Lear

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.

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.

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.

Death and the King's Horseman

Guidance 13+ • 2h 33m

Written by Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka and inspired by a true story, this masterpiece celebrates a community striving to uphold its culture in the face of colonial power. In British-occupied Nigeria, a Yoruba king, the Alafin, has died, and it is the duty of his horseman, Elesin, to accompany him into the afterlife. Elesin proudly anticipates his transition to the next world – but the sacred ritual is interrupted, resulting in unforeseen tragedy. Captured live at Stratford Festival, 2022.

The Red Shoes

Guidance All Ages • 1h 36m

Matthew Bourne’s double Olivier award-winning ballet The Red Shoes tells a spellbinding tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to pursue artistic greatness as a dancer, but her ambitions become a battleground for the entangled relationships that drive her dreams. Based on Powell and Pressburger’s film of the same name, Matthew Bourne’s signature artistry creates a fresh, entrancing and heartbreaking adaptation, featuring Bernard Herrmann’s rich score. The Red Shoes was captured live at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in 2020.

Macbeth

Guidance 12+ • 2h 4m

Shakespeare’s tragic tale of murder, manipulation and witchcraft is brought to life in this contemporary production which marks both Christopher Eccleston’s RSC debut and the return of Niamh Cusack to the Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, Polly Findlay’s dark reimagining employs elements of horror to encapsulate Macbeth’s psychological trauma through sound, lighting and illusions. Production photography by Richard Davenport.

Dido and Aeneas

All Ages • 1h 1m

The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera join forces for Wayne McGregor’s acclaimed fusion of music and movement. Baroque composer Henry Purcell’s classical tale of love thwarted by evil powers stars Sarah Connolly as Dido, Queen of Carthage and Lucas Meachem as Trojan hero Aeneas. Sung in English, with English subtitles.

La Traviata

All Ages • 2h 15m

Verdi’s best-loved work is performed by a star cast in a revival of Richard Eyre’s highly acclaimed 1994 production. Alfredo and the courtesan Violetta fall passionately in love. But Violetta is seriously ill and Alfredo’s father disapproves of their relationship – can their love overcome such obstacles?