Patrick Stewart's Passion Project: All 154 Shakespeare Sonnets Now on Audible
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when theatres worldwide fell silent, Sir Patrick Stewart embarked on a remarkable personal endeavour. Inspired by reading a sonnet to his wife over dinner, the acclaimed Shakespearean actor began reciting one of William Shakespeare's sonnets each day on social media. This impromptu series, born out of lockdown creativity, has now been meticulously compiled into a comprehensive audio collection. Available on Audible from 7 April, the recording spans almost four hours and features all 154 sonnets from the 1609 quarto, including Stewart's personal favourite, Sonnet 116, known for its lines "Let me not to the marriage of true minds." The project includes his insightful commentaries, offering listeners a unique glimpse into his interpretation and passion for the Bard's work.
Exclusive Previews and Revivals in Streaming Theatre
This month's digital theatre offerings extend far beyond Stewart's sonnets, presenting a rich array of performances and previews. Sam Ryder, the Eurovision sensation, provides a sneak peek of his upcoming role in Jesus Christ Superstar, set to debut at the London Palladium this summer. This preview is part of the BBC's musical-theatre jamboree on iPlayer, hosted by Jason Manford in Manchester, which also highlights Victoria Hamilton-Barritt performing a villainous number from Paddington: The Musical. Meanwhile, Back to the Future: The Musical concludes its London run after over four years and embarks on a national tour. Fans can delve into its origins with an Amazon Prime documentary featuring interviews with co-creators Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis.
Notable Productions and Historical Satires Online
James Ijames, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Fat Ham, sees his historical satire The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington revived by Philadelphia's Wilma theater. Streaming from 9 April to 3 May, this play about the inaugural first lady of the United States offers a provocative companion to contemporary West End hits. Additionally, the BBC marks the 120th anniversary of Henrik Ibsen's death with a comprehensive iPlayer season, showcasing multiple productions of classics like Hedda Gabler and The Master Builder, featuring stars such as Janet Suzman and Ingrid Bergman.
Olivier Nominees and Emotional Dramas Available for Streaming
Rosie Sheehy, nominated for an Olivier award for her role in Guess How Much I Love You? at the Royal Court, can be seen in her 2019 RSC debut as King John on Marquee TV, portraying the monarch with a memorable hangover entrance. In a more sombre vein, David Eldridge's play End, filmed at the National Theatre's Dorfman theatre, stars Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves as a couple grappling with a cancer diagnosis. This production, available on NT at Home, pairs intriguingly with Stephen Poliakoff's 1991 drama Close My Eyes, which also features Reeves and Owen, though the earlier parts of Eldridge's trilogy remain offline.
Radio Plays and Theatrical Innovations
Simon McBurney directs a radio play by Anne Carson for the Paris Review, titled I Don't Do Innocents, with a cast including Emma Corrin and Carson herself reading stage directions. This Complicité production of a wedding drama adds a layer of sophistication to the streaming lineup. As theatres continue to embrace digital platforms, these offerings highlight the resilience and creativity of the performing arts, providing audiences with diverse and accessible content from the comfort of their homes.
