Long Day's Journey into Night

Guidance 12+ • 2h 31m

Long Day’s Journey into Night focuses on one day in the life of the Tyrone family. Youngest son Edmund is ill, and the family are worried about mother Mary’s nerves. This critically acclaimed production was captured by Digital Theatre live at London’s Apollo Theatre. It was directed by Anthony Page and featured David Suchet as James and Laurie Metcalfe as Mary, both of whom were commended for their “glowing performances” by the Daily Telegraph."

Lovesong

Guidance 12+ • 1h 35m

Lovesong intricately weaves the story of a couple in the first stages of their life together with the same couple as they approach the end of this story. A delicate mix of storytelling and physical theatre, this production was captured by Digital Theatre live at the Lyric Hammersmith, London. Directed and choreographed by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett, it features an extraordinary collaborative performance from its cast; Edward Bennett, Sam Cox, Sian Phillips and Leanne Rowe.

Into the Woods

Guidance 12+ • 2h 33m

Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods weaves together many famous fairy tales in an allegorical story of family, love, growing up and the hazy areas between right and wrong. This critically acclaimed production was captured by Digital Theatre live at London’s Regent’s Park Open Air theatre and was directed by Timothy Sheader. It won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and features Hannah Waddingham as the Witch and Jenna Russell as the Baker’s Wife, among many other stand-out performances.

The Crucible

Guidance 12+ • 3h 19m

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a partially fictionalised telling of the Salem witch trials of 1692/3. Accusations of witchcraft following a game played by the daughters of a Massachusetts village spiral out of control and many must choose between their reputations and their integrity. This production, captured by Digital Theatre live at London’s Old Vic theatre, was directed by Yaël Farber, starred Richard Armitage as John Proctor and enjoyed a sold-out run, receiving widespread critical acclaim.

Much Ado About Nothing

Guidance 12+ • 2h 40m

In one of Shakespeare's most loved comedies, Much Ado About Nothing, Beatrice and Benedick are adamant in their mutual dislike, while Claudio and Hero are deep in love, and the two stories take an unexpected course. This production was captured by Digital Theatre live at Wyndham's Theatre in London’s West End. It played to sold-out houses and received wide critical acclaim. Directed by Josie Rourke, it starred David Tennant as Benedick and Catherine Tate as Beatrice.

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.

Private Lives

Guidance 12+ • 1h 36m

Private Lives, a comedy of manners by Noel Coward, sees a romance revisited between Elyot and Amanda after they unexpectedly meet each other while both on honeymoon with their respective spouses. This production was captured by Digital Theatre live at the Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End. It was directed by Jonathan Kent and starred Toby Stephens as Elyot and Anna Chancellor as Amanda. It was described by the Daily Telegraph as “two hours of comic bliss.”

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.

A Place for We

Guidance 12+ • 2h 14m

Set in Brixton, Archie Maddocks’ timely play charts the changing face of London’s communities over three generations, reflecting on life since the Windrush scandal. Captured live at the Park Theatre in 2021, this production, directed by Talawa’s Artistic Director Michael Buffong, was awarded an Offie for Best Performance Ensemble in 2022.

Romeo and Juliet

All Ages • 2h 27m

Shakespeare’s most tragic love story is revived in this modern interpretation by the Royal Shakespeare Company where two star-crossed lovers risk everything to be together. Captured live in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Erica Whyman’s lively reimagining focuses on the pains of adolescence and stars Charlotte Josephine as the bold Mercutio. Production photos by Topher McGillis

Over There

Guidance 12+ • 1h 12m

In Over There, Karl, left in East Germany by his mother who escaped to the West with his twin brother Franz, crosses the border himself 25 years later. This production was captured by Digital Theatre live at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at London’s Royal Court. It was directed by Mark Ravenhill and Ramin Gray and brothers Franz and Karl were played by real-life twins Harry and Luke Treadaway.

Primo

Guidance 12+ • 1h 28m

Based on Primo Levi’s memoir, Antony Sher’s stage adaptation brings to life the author’s experiences in Auschwitz during World War II in a poignant, reflective monologue. This National Theatre production stars Sher under the direction of Richard Wilson.

Frankenstein

Guidance 12+ • 2h 16m

Geneva, 1816. Dr Frankenstein obsesses over and becomes haunted by the creation of life. Mary Shelley’s landmark novel is beautifully retold by Blackeyed Theatre’s versatile cast and impressive puppetry in this production from 2022.

Macbeth

Guidance 12+ • 2h 30m

Counted among his greatest tragedies, Shakespeare’s unsettling combination of warring soldiers and ‘weird sisters’ is brought to life in this post-apocalyptic reimagining of the Scottish play. This production, captured by Digital Theatre live in Liverpool, was directed by Artistic Director Gemma Bodinetz and was the valedictory performance at the original Everyman Theatre. It starred Liverpool Everyman Youth Theatre alumnus David Morrissey in the title role opposite Julia Ford as Lady Macbeth. "

The Importance of Being Earnest

All Ages • 2h 23m

Brian Bedford directs and stars as the formidable Lady Bracknell in this pitch-perfect adaptation of Oscar Wilde's comedy of manners. Co-produced by L.A. Theatre Works, Roundabout Theatre and BY Experience, this production is introduced by host David Hyde Pierce and includes an intermission feature in which actor Alfred Molina and UCLA professor Michael Hackett discuss Wilde and his works.

It's True, It's True, It's True

Guidance 16+ • 1h 14m

Centuries after it shook Renaissance Rome, the 1612 trial of Artemisia Gentileschi is dramatised in this award-winning verbatim production devised by Breach Theatre. Blurring the line between historical court transcripts and parody, this compelling, and at times visceral, feminist drama was captured at the Stone Nest, London in 2020.

The Tempest

All Ages • 1h 43m

Phyllida Lloyd’s final instalment of the Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy concludes with an all-female version of The Tempest starring Harriet Walter as Prospero and music by British singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading. This captivating reimagining explores themes of freedom and justice in the context of a women’s prison. The Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy began in 2012 with Julius Caesar and was followed by Henry IV in 2014 and The Tempest in 2016. These critically acclaimed productions were captured live at Donmar Kings Cross and co-produced by the Donmar Warehouse and Illuminations.

Beautiful Thing

Guidance 12+ • 1h 54m

This 20th anniversary production of Jonathan Harvey’s play about two working class teenage boys falling in love on a South East London council estate was captured by Digital Theatre live at the Arts Theatre in London’s Leicester Square. It was directed by Nikolai Foster and starred Suranne Jones as Sandra, a single mother trying to make the best for her and her sensitive son, Jamie. The production received wide critical acclaim and was revived again two years later.

Othello

All Ages • 2h 59m

One of his most heartbreaking tragedies, Shakespeare’s tale of love, jealousy and deceit is brought to life in this ground-breaking production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, Iqbal Khan’s adaptation was the first at the RSC to cast a Black actor, Lucian Msamati, in the role of Iago.

Billy the Kid

All Ages • 57m

Michael Morpurgo’s Billy the Kid is told through the eyes of an 80-year-old man, recounting his life as a star footballer and how the outbreak of the Second World War impacted his life forever. First performed in 2007, this revival was captured by Digital Theatre live at London’s Unicorn Theatre. It was adapted for the stage and directed by Tony Graham and starred Dudley Sutton as Billy and Sam Donovan as Sam.

The Container

Guidance 12+ • 1h 59s

The Container, by Clare Bayley, tells the story of a group of asylum seekers being smuggled across Europe inside a shipping container, seeking refuge in England. This production, revived following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival, was captured by Digital Theatre live inside a real shipping container parked outside the Young Vic Theatre. With an audience of only 28, all locked inside the container in the dark with the actors, the production was directed by Tom Wright, and met with much critical acclaim.

Romeo and Juliet

12+ • 2h 51m

Adetomiwa Edun and Ellie Kendrick are the star-crossed lovers in Dominic Dromgoole's fresh and vibrant take on Shakespeare's famous tragedy. The dangerous and forbidden love between Romeo and Juliet is the catalyst that finally sends the warring families of Montague and Capulet head to head. Marriages, murder, exile and poison all feature in this powerful tale of doomed romance.