It's the weirdest week of the year - that week inbetween Christmas and New Year where nobody knows what day it is (So basically all of 2020) and many of us are ion a constant state of hungover. Usually we would pick ourselves up and go to the theatre during this week but as that's not an option for many of us, we have to find alternative arrangements. Luckily there is still some theatre to enjoy online and on TV this week so here are some of the best shows to check out:
WHAT?
The Shows Must Go On are treating us to a couple of great shows this week. First up is the live version of Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds. Filmed at Wembley Arena, the show uses theatre, music and images to create a feast for the senses.
WHEN?
Starting from Christmas Day, the show is availabnle to stream right now up until Tuesday 5th January.
WHERE?
Available on youtube.com/theshowsmustgoon you can also click the link above to watch it
WHAT?
Julia Donaldson's Stick Man has become a Christmas staple in recent years. The family favourite was filmed at its final performance at the Rose Theatre in Kingston earlier this month, just before London moved into Tier 3.
WHEN?
Available now, you can book anytime until Sunday 3rd January. You are able to stream it at any time during a 24 hour viewing period after booking.
WHERE?
Tickets are from £20 and available from https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/stick-man--stream
WHAT?
Due to be playing a season at the Vaudeville Theatre, Mischief Comedy have moved their improvised show Mischief Movie Night online temporarily for a series of streams of their madcap show. If you haven't seen it before, the audience are in charge, coming up with the movie the incredible cast make up on the spot. Every night is a premiere.
WHEN?
Mischief Movie Night streams for six performances this week from Sunday 27th December at 8pm until New Years EVe.
WHERE?
Get tickets from https://mischiefcomedy.com/our-work/mischief-movie-night/about
WHAT?
Seth Rudetsky's weekly concert series continues with the star of Hairspray and Beetlejuice Kerry Butler. She will talk about her career and perform songs from it.
WHEN?
The show is live on Sunday 27th December at 8pm ET which is 1am in the UK on Sunday 28st December and repeated at 8pm that evening.
WHERE?
Tickets from thesethconcertseries.com
WHAT?
It's another great title on The Shows Must Go On series this week as Jacqueline Wilson's best-selling novel Hetty Feather comes to life on stage. Hetty is a feisty young orphan who embarks on an adventure to find her true home. Infused with live music and daring aerial feats, this new musical is perfect for the whole family.
WHEN?
Premiering on Monday 28th December at 2pm and available for 48 hours
WHERE?
Catch it on youtube.com/theshowsmustgoon
WHAT?
A new online Sitcom Pilot The Gift That Keeps Giving is debuting this week. Filmed on Zoom with a West End Cast starring Jen Caldwell, Tori Hargreavesm Chloe Gentles, Molly McGuire, Claire Learie, Jed Berry amd Josh St Clair, it is about two best friends talking about relationships during an online video chat. Created by Reece Kerridge and directed by Come From Away star Jenna Boyd, this looks delightfully stagey.
WHEN?
Catch it for free on their YouTube channel from Monday 28th December at 10am
WHERE?
Streaming here. For more information see https://www.pinkpigproductions.co.uk/
WHAT?
Filmed at the Palace Theatre earlier this month, this all-male production of Gilbert & Sullivan's classic The Pirates of Penzance is streaming for one week only.
WHEN?
Premiering on Monday 28th December it is available until Sunday 3rd January 2021 with performances at 7.30pm Monday-Saturday and matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday
WHERE?
Get your tickets from https://www.stream.theatre
WHAT?
A host of West End stars sing festive favourites in aid of Children With Cancer UK. Filmed at St Paul's Church in Vovent Garden, the concert includes Louise Dearman, Cassidy Janson, Lucie Jones, Jack Loxton, Trevor Dion Nicholas, Natalie Paris, Sam Tutty and MIchael D. Xavier.
WHEN?
Catch it on Tuesday 29th December at 7.30pm
WHERE?
Tickets are available from https://www.stream.theatre
WHAT?
One of the highliughrs of The Shows Must Go On series earlier this year, the 2015 live broadcast of The Wiz stars Shanice Williams, Amber Riley, Mary J Blige and Queen Latifah and features classic xongs such as 'Ease On Down The Road', 'Brand New Day' and 'Home'. If you haven't seen this before, I can't recommend it enough.
WHEN?
It airs on Tuesday 29th December at 9pm
WHERE?
Airing on Sky Arts.
WHAT?
The recent stage version of Uncle Vanya starring Toby Jones amd Richard Armitage has been specially filmed during the pandemic and will be broadcast this week
WHEN?
Wednesday 30th December at 10pm
WHERE?
Catch it on BBC Four
There's something for everyone this week so I hope you manage to find something to enjoy. Later this week I'll be posting my big 2021 preview. My usual monthly preview will be posted belatedly when we know if theatres are able to reopen in the beginning of January - Fingers crossed.
Happy New Year everybody.