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Stream Shakespeare, Dance, and Musical Magnificence

This weekend stream a vibrant, high energy Washington Heights musical film from Lin-Manuel Miranda, a free Shakespearean romantic tragedy, and a poignant British filmed dance performance.

Anthony and Cleopatra - Play, Filmed Performance

Reason and judgement prove no match for the tsunami of mutual passion engulfing Mark Antony, one of the three joint rulers of the Roman republic, and Cleopatra, the seductive queen of Egypt. Surrendering everything to their desires, they open the floodgates to a civil conflict that will shake the very foundations of their world.

The steamy story of a midlife affair comes to vivid life in this production, featuring Geraint Wyn Davies and Yanna McIntosh as the powerful rulers whose insatiable love leads to the greatest of tragedies.

Border Tales is a poignant commentary on multicultural Britain using dance, live music and dialogue compiled from the artists’ personal experiences.

It looks at Britain through the eyes of an international cast and gazes satirically on stereotypical thinking and migrant outsiders.

Lights up on Washington Heights...The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community.

At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi, who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines, and sings about a better life.

Monday Night At The Apollo - Musical Theatre Concert, Filmed Performance

An intimate evening of conversation and song hosted by Greg Barnett, Monday Night at the Apollo presents some of the West End’s best-known performers singing some of their favourite songs, in a relaxed and informal theatrical celebration.

Discover more than 1500 digital resources on Thespie.

Stream a Musical Theatre Concert and Legendary Entertainers 

This weekend stream a musical theatre concert starring five incredible London artists, an insight into the community and journeys of refugees, a film about fame and stardom featuring music from The Beatles, and a ceremony recognising legendary entertainers.

Check out our suggestions of theatre to watch from home this week: 

Monday Night At The Apollo - Musical Theatre Concert, Livestream

An intimate evening of conversation and song hosted by Greg Barnett, Monday Night at the Apollo will see some of the West End’s best-known performers sing an eclectic mix of music from their favourite genres. Performers will share their most cherished memories and experiences from their careers, alongside performances of music which is personal to them, in a relaxed and informal theatrical celebration.

Starring Shan Ako, Sophie Evans, Arthur Darvill, Sandra Marvin & Jamie Muscato.

After a global blackout erases humanity's memory of The Beatles, a struggling musician perform the group's music and becomes a pop sensation.

The Little Mermaid Live! - Musical, Filmed Performance

This special tribute to the original animated classic and its timeless music takes viewers on a magical adventure under the sea as live musical performances by a star-studded cast are interwoven into the broadcast of the original feature film.

This incredible hybrid format features beautifully intricate sets and costumes, with music from the original animated film.

The Kennedy Center Honors (US Only) - Ceremony, Filmed Performance

Entertainers receive recognition at the 43rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors, celebrating those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.

In 2021, honorees are choreographer and actress Debbie Allen, singer-songwriter and activist Joan Baez, country singer-songwriter Garth Brooks, violinist Midori, and actor Dick Van Dyke.

Curated by actor and refugee-child Noma Dumezweni, Home? brings together global voices, stories and experiences to mark Refugee Week 2021 across three new commissions, created in collaboration with refugee artists.

The series of world premiere monologues will celebrate and recognise those who have sought safety from their homes, their place within our collective community and the journey that it took to get there.

Even before her performing career led her to leading roles in Whitney: Queen of the Night and Les Miserables, Shan Ako was always involved in music, whether singing, writing songs or playing the guitar.

Offstage she’s active in her community and says if she hadn’t become a professional performer she would have become either a psychologist, make-up artist or stylist.

You can catch Shan in the Monday Night at the Apollo musical theatre concert, live and livestreamed on 14th Jun.

I've always loved theatre and always sought any opportunity to be a part of a production. So once the opportunity to be in the West End with Les Mis (came along), I was extremely grateful. 

I've been to many auditions in the past, from receiving no's to touring theatres in the UK and Europe. It's taken time but been such a great journey so far!

Engage as much as possible in the arts—creativity can be a therapeutic outlet. 

What’s something that you've learned along the way that you use often?

I've learnt how important it is to lead with kindness. Also, the importance of a healthy/disciplined lifestyle, as this can reflect in how you deliver on and off stage. 

What experiences have shaped who you are and how you work?

I'd say most are the performance-based experiences I've had. From my time at The BRIT School, to touring, to being on TV, to being in the West End, to living through a pandemic. Not forgetting my faith in God and close-knit family. These are where I hold my core values and foundation. 

What advice do you have for people wanting to engage with the arts right now?

I definitely encourage them to engage as much as possible in it—creativity can be a therapeutic outlet. 

Also, there are so many platforms to now engage or share your artistic side. The world needs the arts so much right now and there's so much talent out there.

There are so many platforms to now engage or share your artistic side. The world needs the arts so much right now and there's so much talent out there.

What kind of theatre would you love to see more of?

I think theatre is in a great place and there's a large variation to choose from/already showcased! Creatives are thinking more and more out of the box.

I also think it's important for ethnic minorities to be cast in more shows/popular roles. There is some amazing talent out there. Some just need the opportunity to be seen, for example through open calls.

Find out more about Monday Night at the Apollo.

The Ten Major Movie Musicals Coming This Year

It's going to be a landmark year for movie musicals with ten huge musical films coming to cinemas and streaming services later in 2021 or early 2022. 

The excitement begins tomorrow with the release of In the Heights in US cinemas and on streaming service HBO Max. It will arrive in cinemas across the UK on 18 June.  

Audiences can also look forward to live-action remakes of classic Disney films such as The Little Mermaid as well as movie re-imaginings of popular stage musicals such as Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Dear Evan Hansen. 

While some dates haven’t yet been announced, all are in production and confirmed for release in the not-so-distant future.  

Take a look at some of the exciting musical stories coming to screens soon: 

An uplifting tale of love, loss and hope in New York City, In the Heights will be available to stream from June 10 on HBO Max in the US and will be released in US cinemas on the same date. 

The movie version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s stage show, sees Anthony Ramos take on the lead role of Usnavi. 

Following in the footsteps of other recent live-action Disney remakes such as The Lion King, a new version of The Little Mermaid is currently in production. 

While a release date has not yet been confirmed, filming is underway with a phenomenally talented cast including R&B singer Halle Bailey as Ariel and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. 

Jennifer Hudson stars in Respect, a biographical musical drama spanning the entirety of Aretha Franklin's six-decade career. The film explores the Queen of Soul's romantic and family life, her involvement in the US civil rights movement, and her musical legacy.  

Respect comes to US cinemas on 13 August 2021 and will be released in the UK on September 10.  

Directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Andrew Garfield, Tick, Tick … Boom! is a biographical musical about an aspiring composer in New York City. 

The film has no official release date as yet but will likely be available to stream on Netflix sometime in 2021. 

The movie version of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, based on the hit stage musical, will premiere on Amazon Prime on 17 September 2021 in over 240 countries and territories. 

Inspired by a true story, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, is the heart-warming tale of a teenager who overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight

Annette, a musical drama starring Adam Driver, is one film audiences won’t need to wait long for. 

Telling the story of a mysterious girl with a unique gift, it premieres at the Cannes Film Festival on 6 July 2021 and will be released on Amazon Prime Video on 20 August 2021. 

Dear Evan Hansen will be released in cinemas in the US on September 24 2021 and in the UK on 22 October 2021. 

Based on the stage musical, it tells the coming-of-age story about a boy who is finally given the chance to belong. 

The new movie version of the 1950s classic West Side Story is due to be released in cinemas on 10 December 2021. 

Directed by Steven Spielberg, the romantic musical drama features Ansel Elgort as Tony and Rachel Zegler as Maria. 

Cinderella will be released in cinemas across the UK in July 2021 and on Amazon Prime Video in September 2021. 

The re-imagined fairy-tale musical features Camilla Cabello in the title role with Billy Porter taking the role of Fairy Godmother. 

Disney's Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. When the family's magic is threatened, Mirabel — the only child without a supernatural gift — may be their last hope for survival. 

Encanto will be released in cinemas in the US on November 24 2021.

... and a bonus 11th film has just been announced for release in December 2022!

Based on the stage musical version of Matilda, a movie adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's book is currently in the works.

The film, starring Emma Thompson and Lashana Lynch, will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 2 December 2022 and will be available on Netflix in the rest of the world the same month.

Stream An Epic Musical Spectacular and More

This weekend stream a live musical theatre extravaganza featuring songs from 18 London shows and over 50 performers, an exhilarating youth-driven contemporary drama, an American operatic masterpiece, and a classic fairy tale.

The Merthyr Stigmatist - Play, Filmed Performance

Carys, a sixteen-year-old school student claims to have received the stigmata: Christ’s wounds from the Cross. Are her wounds a sign from God? Carys thinks so, she wants to tell the world and demands to be heard. Sian, Carys’s teacher is not so sure. Filled with doubt, Sian believes silencing Carys will keep her safe, but can she make sense of what is happening to her young pupil?

The Merthyr Stigmatist is an exhilarating contemporary drama and a hymn to community and the power of young people.

The Show Must Go On! - Concert, Livestream

Eighteen West End shows and an all-star musical theatre cast come together for a unique one-off concert in this huge West End celebration including Pretty Woman and a West End debut performance from Back To The Future.

This will be the first time in history these West End musicals will come together for one night of pure joyous entertainment which celebrates the wealth of talent in London and includes a multi award winning creative team, over 50 performers and an orchestra made up of some of the finest musicians in London.

The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess - Opera, Filmed Performance

A supremely American operatic masterpiece and one of the last and most ambitious works by one of the nation’s greatest musical talents, Porgy and Bess returned to the Met stage for the first time in 30 years to open the 2019–20 season. 

Much of the work’s dynamism comes from Gershwin’s explorations of the Gullah music of Tidewater Carolina, which he melds seamlessly with the then-contemporary language of jazz.

Sleeping Beauty: Dream On - Play, Filmed Performance

A colourful and extravagant production of the classic Brothers Grimm tale.

A witch curses a newborn princess to die on her 16th birthday. However, a fairy alters the curse, allowing the princess to survive by going into a deep sleep that can be broken by true love's kiss.

Newsies: The Broadway Musical - Musical, Filmed Performance

Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a leader of a ragged band of teenage "newsies" who dream only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when two publishing titans raise distribution prices at the newsboys' expense, Jack find a cause to fight for.

June Theatre Guide: 83 New Shows in London

This June, shows are bustin' out all over London! We've loved the amazing theatre that's come to the stage in the last two weeks, and June looks to be even more innovative and exciting.

There's everything from major musicals like Heathers and Hairspray to star-studded celebrations of ballet, musicals, and the LGBTQ community, to bio-plays of Bach, Marlene Dietrich, and Princess Margaret.   

We've curated 83 June shows into some interesting themes for our guide to help you find the right shows for you. Take a look!

If you love rockin' musicals or exhilarating acrobatics…

Hairspray (Begins 21 June)
musical • screen to stage • 1960s • ambition • coming-of-age • heart-warming

Express G&S (Begins 23 June)
musical • imaginative • laugh-out-loud • music

The Play That Goes Wrong (Begins 18 June)
play • 1920s • farce • laugh-out-loud • showbiz

Bromance (Begins 17 June)
circus • physical theatre • acrobatic • imaginative • visually-striking

Lockdown Town (Begins 23 June)
immersive • throwback • atmospheric • culture & heritage • London • music • nostalgic

If you like stage stories based on themes from today's headlines...

The Ballad of Corona V (Begins 3 June)
interactive • musical • dark • satire

A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad) (Begins 3 June)
cabaret • musical • mental health

The Boy with the Bee Jar (Begins 29 June)
play • animals • dark • environmental • London • nature & sustainability • poetic • unlikely friends

Extinct (Begins 30 June)
true story • community • environmental

Be More Chill (Begins 30 June)
musical • laugh-out-loud • mind-bending • romantic • science fiction

If you enjoy classic, modern - or even drunk - Shakespeare...

Romeo and Juliet (Begins 26 June)
Shakespeare • classic • grief • kindred spirits • romantic • tragic

Hamlet (Begins 21 June)
Shakespeare • revenge • royalty & rulers • tragic

Sh!t-faced Shakespeare: Macbeth (Begins 16 June)
parody • play • Shakespeare • fantasy • farce • laugh-out-loud • royalty & rulers • unpredictable • witty

Romeo & Juliet (Begins 17 June)
play • Shakespeare • arch-rivals • heart-breaking • outdoor • romantic

As You Like it (Begins 8 June)
play • Shakespeare • family • farce • poetic • romantic • slapstick • witty

The Tempest (Begins 11 June)
magic • mystery • play • Shakespeare • family • revenge

If you love joyful showtunes and jaw-dropping vocals...

Monday Night at the Apollo (14 June)
concert • art & artists • cheerful • music

West End Musical Celebration (Begins 10 June)
concert • immersive • interactive • musical • music

The Show Must Go On (Begins 2 June)
concert • musical • spectacle • art & artists • heart-warming • music • orchestral

Pride at the Palace (7 June only)
concert • LGBTQ • Celebrating LGBTQ+ Theatre • high-energy • music

Legends of Lockdown Live (9 June only)
concert • dance • art & artists • laugh-out-loud • music • politics

Hair (13 June only)
musical • rock • 1960s • community • high-energy • identity • war & military

If you want to explore the variety of styles within ballet...

British Ballet Charity Gala (3 June only)
ballet • art & artists • visually-striking

Dangerous Liaisons (Begins 8 June)
ballet • classical music • dance • page to stage • screen to stage • dating & sex • Paris • secrets

Beauty Mixed Programme (Begins 26 June)
ballet • dance • fairy tale

Draw From Within (Begins 2 June)
ballet • dance • fantasy • visually-striking

Balanchine and Robbins (Begins 4 June)
ballet • classical music • dance

Solstice (Begins 16 June)
ballet • classical music • dance • high-energy • music • performance excerpts

If you're seeking new works, semi-staged readings, and writing showcases...

The Gin Game (7 June only)
play • friendship • psychological

Name, Place, Animal, Thing (2 June only)
play • family • grief • identity

Hidden Fires (5 June only)
play • solo show • true story • community • politics • survival

Opening Up (Begins 2 June)
play • heartfelt • laugh-out-loud

Out West (Begins 18 June)
biographical • solo show • Black history & experience • family • heartfelt • inspiring women • London • migration & displacement

Push and Pull (2 June only)
myths & legends • play • autobiographical • performance excerpts • romantic

If you like joyful personal journeys, or stories of activism, appropriation or perseverance...

Michael X (4 June only)
play • 1960s • Black history & experience • Caribbean • politics

Black is the Colour of My Voice (Begins 5 June)
biographical • solo show • Black history & experience • faith & spirituality • jazz • music

Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner (Begins 16 June)
LGBTQ • Black history & experience • dark • friendship • science & technology

J'ouvert (Begins 16 June)
play • Black history & experience • Caribbean • friendship • London

How I Learned to Swim (Begins 1 June)
play • solo show • Black history & experience • coming-of-age • grief

If you're looking to escape into classic fairytales, modern romances, or heartfelt musicals...

Cinderella (Begins 25 June)
fairy tale • musical • laugh-out-loud • royalty & rulers

Constellations (Begins 18 June)
play • heart-breaking • imaginative • romantic

Raya (Begins 11 June)
play • dating & sex • heartfelt • romantic

The Distance You Have Come (Begins 21 June)
musical • ensemble • heart-breaking • heart-warming • music

Another Life (Begins 10 June)
musical • friendship • music • romantic

If you like to revel in farce, witty satires or improv…

This is Going to Hurt (Begins 21 June)
page to stage • stand-up • heart-warming • irreverent • laugh-out-loud • medicine & care • music

Godot is a Woman (Begins 8 June)
physical theatre • identity • politics

Austentatious (Begins 28 June)
improv • page to stage • play • laugh-out-loud • period piece

Heathers: The Musical (Begins 21 June)
musical • screen to stage • anti-hero • coming-of-age • cult classic • dark • satire • school & university

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical (Begins 7 June)
improv • interactive • musical • laugh-out-loud • Olivier Award Winner • unpredictable

If you like personal and profound tales from a solo artist...

Bicycles and Fish (Begins 12 June)
cabaret • solo show • coming-of-age • laugh-out-loud • music

Mac and More (Begins 4 June)
biographical • solo show • 1950s • acting & performance • Ireland

Shedding a Skin (Begins 17 June)
play • friendship • heart-warming • witty

Scaramouche Jones or the Seven White Masks (Begins 15 June)
play • solo show • clowning • poetic • romantic • tragic

Happy Days (Begins 11 June)
play • solo show • surreal

If you like to experience life's triumphs and tragedies through real personal histories...

Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope (1 June only)
biographical • play • solo show • London • New York City • witty

Dietrich: Natural Duty (Begins 11 June)
biographical • cabaret • drag • solo show • 1940s

Alyssa: Memoirs of a Queen! (Begins 7 Jun)
dance • drag • LGBTQ • spectacle • art & artists • autobiographical • camp

Lone Flyer (Begins 8 June)
biographical • play • inspiring women

Margaret: Rebel Royal (30 June only)
biographical • family • married life • royalty & rulers

Bach & Sons (Begins 23 June)
biographical • classical music • play • family • Germany

If you're ready to be immersed in the sounds of an orchestra…

La bohéme (Begins 19 June)
opera • friendship • romantic • tragic

This weekend stream musical and opera versions of classic fairy tales, a showstopping musical theatre concert, and an inspiring kid-friendly adventure.

Aidy The Awesome - Play, Filmed Performance

Aidy is a normal 8 year old girl… or so she thinks!

One day she discovers a family secret that changes everything. Aidy and her granny embark on an adventure that turns their world upside down.They even begin to question what normal is. After all, who wants to be normal when you can be super!

Aidy the Awesome is an aerial theatre show for all the family to enjoy. Watch the performers literally fly, zoom and spin through the air.

Tangled: The Musical - Musical, Filmed Performance

You are invited to virtually step into the beautiful Walt Disney Theatre for a special presentation of Tangled: The Musical. 

When the kingdom's most wanted — and most charming — bandit, Flynn Rider, hides out in a mysterious tower, he's taken hostage by Rapunzel, a beautiful and feisty tower-bound teen with 70 feet of magical, golden hair. The unlikely duo set off on an action-packed escapade, complete with a super-cop horse Maximus, overprotective chameleon Pascal and a gruff gang of pub thugs.

An intimate evening of conversation and song hosted by Greg Barnett, Monday Night at the Apollo will see some of the West End’s best-known performers sing an eclectic mix of music from their favourite genres. 

Performers will share their most cherished memories and experiences from their careers, alongside performances of music which is personal to them, in a relaxed and informal theatrical celebration.

Hansel and Gretel - Opera, Filmed Performance

Banished from home by their exasperated parents, Hansel and Gretel plunge deep into the forest, ready for whatever adventures might come their way. 

But not everything is as it seems in this enchanted wood and the pair will need their wits about them if they're to escape the clutches of the Christmas-crazed Witch who lurks there. As they venture through an eerie world of magic, fireflies and fairies they find that if they hang onto hope, even the darkest moments can be overcome.

Ben Platt: Live From Radio City Music Hall - Concert, Filmed Performance

Backed by a full band and a ready wit, Dead Evan Hansen actor and singer Ben Platt opens up a very personal songbook onstage, singing numbers from his debut album Sing to Me Instead.

Dozens of London shows have been announced in the last week, ranging from uplifting and joyous musicals and gritty and provocative plays to imaginative, site-specific theatre. Popular shows like Dear Evan Hansen, The Ocean at the End of the Lane and Be More Chill shared news that they will return to the stage, alongside ambitious new writing from the Royal Court, Almeida and New Diorama theatres.   

It feels like an incredibly exciting era for live performance is emerging.   

Check out some of these exciting new productions—we hope you discover something new! 

The Mirror and the Light (Begins 23 Sept)

The Ocean at the End of the Lane (Begins 23 Oct)

Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner (Begins 16 Jun)

Once Upon a Time in Nazi Occupied Tunisia (Begins 21 Aug)

The Key Workers Cycle (Begins 31 Jan 2022)

Discover more than 200 shows arriving in London soon

Screen Stars Coming to the London Stage in 2021

London theatres have only been open a week, but the flood of talent onto the stage continues! Saoirse Ronan and Eddie Redmayne are the latest screen stars to announce they'll be sharing their incredible talents with live audiences, so we put together a list of more TV and film favourites coming to London stages this year.

There is nothing like the thrill of live theatre and we are delighted that audiences will have the opportunity to experience that connection first hand with these incredible talents they might already be familiar with. 

Here are five upcoming London shows featuring magnificent screen actors: 

Cabaret: Eddie Redmayne will return to the West End stage for the first time in ten years as the Emcee in Cabaret beginning November 2021.  

The Tragedy of Macbeth: Saoirse Ronan will play Lady Macbeth in a feminist re-telling of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy at the Almeida Theatre from September.

Thespie News

Stream Shakespeare, Dance, and Musical Magnificence

Stream a Musical Theatre Concert and Legendary Entertainers

5 Questions with Shan Ako

The Ten Major Movie Musicals Coming This Year

Stream An Epic Musical Spectacular and More

June Theatre Guide: 83 New Shows in London

Stream Fairy Tales, Adventures, and More

34 More Shows Coming to London!

Screen Stars Coming to the London Stage in 2021

Streaming This Weekend: Eurovision Drama, Tragic Opera, and More

London Audiences React to Drag Mysteries, Electric Shakespeare and More