Dear theatre friends,
Since we’ve gotten to know each other so well– I’ll share some of my best sources!
Do subscribe to What’sOnStage to browse many online possibilities, on both sides of the Atlantic. There’s now a special category, WhatsOnStage At Home– for…
The site will also send updates as more shows become available– there are many, many to choose from. I’ll continue to highlight the plays I’ve seen and can endorse, or those which seem particularly interesting.
Another, just for UK fare, is British Theatre Guide— you can read reviews, get a list of podcasts, and see what’s coming from regional theaters as well as those in London.
Their London editor, Philip Fisher, has whispered in my ear during many years at Edinburgh Festivals. Despite the lockdown, Philip has continued to pass along press releases– from his bed! He’s recovering very slowly from this heinous virus– probably caught, dare I say, during a visit to the theatre. Please join me in wishing him a swift return to health.
Speaking of regional theatres, there’s one in Scarborough you may not know– Stephen Joseph Theatre. Alan Ayckbourn has made it his home for countless years. His 84th (yes, not a typo!) play, “Anno Domino,” will be available from May 25th for one month on Stephen Joseph Theatre. You can join their mailing list for more information.
One that may have escaped your attention is from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This is a “Macbeth” for a what they’ve called a “new generation.” Directed by my talented friend, Cress Brown, it’s been shortened to one act and 90 minutes. It’s an adaptation you shouldn’t miss– and if you have any curious teenagers afoot, they’ll love it too.
Mark your calendars, Monday, May 18th, 7pm, for a performance you’ll enjoy enormously– a one time only streamed reading of “Permission,” by Robert Askins. Here is the New York Times’ review from its performance at MCC. This was my first, and only, encounter with Christian Domestic Discipline– try it!!
You may recall Robert’s wildly successful “Hand To God,” after reading this New York Times’ rave review. It was developed at Ensemble Studio Theatre where it first played in 2011. “Hand To God,” which starred Steven Boyer and was directed perfectly by Moritz Von Stuelpnagel, went on to Broadway then London.
“Permission” will replicate that winning threesome — Askins, Boyer and Von Stuelpnagel– and also stars William Jackson Harper (“The Good Place,” “Midsommar.”)
This is an opportunity to support the extraordinary EST– with a donation as small as $5, or as large as your generosity will allow!
That’s all for now– as I receive news I’ll pass it along. But don’t completely fill your calendars yet– more shows are continuing to find their way to our screens.
Aren’t we fortunate to be living during this plague and not Sophocles’?
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.