Dear theatre friends,
If you, too, are snowbound, here are a few diversionary plays:
From the ever-inventive company, Kneehigh, comes “The Neon Shadow.” It’s been described as a love story in isolation. Co-produced, written and performed by Tom Jackson Greaves, this short digital piece is inspired by one of Hans Christian Andersen’s lesser known tales.
You can also view “Good Dog” by Arinze Kene. This is a shortened version of his play, which received stellar reviews, such as this in the Guardian. Arinze’s is a name you might care to remember– because he’s multi-mega-talented. He played and sang the Sam Cooke role in the Donmar Warehouse production of “One Night in Miami.”
Both of these are selections from a long list on the WhatsOnStage site– you can choose from a huge assortment of plays, shows, musicals. It’s a great resource, so do sign up for their newsletter– then you can tell me if you’ve seen something I should have mentioned!
February begins The Mint Theatre’s stream of “Katie Roche” by Irish playwright, Teresa Deevy. It’s directed by Jonathan Bank, the founder of and chief excavator of previously forgotten plays for the irreplaceable Mint.
Especially uplifting is a reading of “Those Winter Sundays,” a collaboration between Theater of War Productions and the PBS series, “Poetry in America.” Not only are fine actors, including Bill Murray, performing, but President Biden will read Robert Hayden’s poem of the same name.
From Manchester’s wild and whimsical company, Girl Gang, comes this sure-to-delight video “A Woman’s Place is In the Home. It finds the “magical in the mundane”– I think you will too!
If you’re then curious about this fluid collection of female Mancunians, do have a look at “Girl Gang”— and smile.
Although The Manchester International Festival won’t be streaming Riz Ahmed’s “The Long Goodbye” until next month, you can tune into a conversation with Riz about his wonderfully reviewed play/gig — which was to be seen at Brooklyn’s Academy of Music– until the music died.
From my second home, Edinburgh, and their International Festival, comes Hope Dickson Leach’s Not To Be Missed version of Gian Carlo Menotti’s opera, “The Telephone.” It’s part of their video series, “My Light Shines On,” and made me totally nostalgic for the King’s Theatre– the site of many wonderful theatrical memories.
Finally, if you have children at home who may need entertainment, you could do worse than visiting Chickenshed on YouTube. They’ve just put up their acclaimed production of “Peter Pan.” On n the site, you’ll find earlier releases of “Cinderella” and “Alice in Wonderland,” as well.
Of course, if you’re an adult reading this, you too may need a break from the many grown up anxieties which abound– proof of age isn’t required! Enjoy!!
That’s all for now!
Aren’t we fortunate to be living during this plague and not Sophocles’? Or, are you overwhelmed by choice?
Again, if you discover other theatre-related news– please get in touch: Carol@BestofEdinburgh.org.
And, need I reiterate? I’d like to continue to write because so many have expressed their enjoyment of reading– but I must have content!
Please send other theatre related information, or do try to recall a story you’d like me to post.
Carol Tambor publishes a monthly newsletter, which announces worthy shows coming to New York, along with occasional information about London theatre and, of course, the Edinburgh Fringe.