Dear theatre friends,
Until next Tuesday, the 16th, you can buy discounted tickets for a new Peter Barnes play. If you recall his wonderfully reviewed “The Ruling Class,” you may want to see “Barnes’ People” starring Jemma Redgrave, beginning on February 18th.
Do you check out PBS Great Performances for plays as well as musical events? Right now, you can see “Gloria: A Life,” about Gloria Steinem, featuring Christine Lahti; “Driving Miss Daisy” with the unparalleled James Earl Jones; “King Lear”, with Ian McKellen and “Macbeth” starring Patrick Stewart. “The Magic of Callas” and Anna Deavere Smith’s “Twilight: Los Angeles” continue to be streamed, as well.
If you care to subscribe, Digital Theatre offers a rare assortment of productions from Donmar Warehouse, Royal Shakespeare, Young Vic, and many other theatre in the U.K. and beyond. I just saw a Russian production, “Children of the Sun,” from the highly respected Red Torch Theatre in Novosibirsk– pre- Covid I’d not have had this opportunity!
Not yet on the Digital Theatre website, the original Almeida production of “Parlour Song” by Jez Butterworth (“Ferryman”) starring Toby Jones, can be rented for 7.99 pounds. When you read this Guardian review, you’ll realize this is a bargain, indeed!
From Papatango.UK comes “Shook,” a debut play by Samuel Bailey. This rapturously reviewed play was scheduled for a West End transfer when Covid struck. You can now see this world premiere, filmed by a BAFTA-winning filmmaker for 10 pounds, until February 28th.
Closer to home, you can see an encore performance of Charlayne Woodard’s “The Night Watcher,”
February 17th through the 28th, from Primary Stages. You may be interested to read The New York Times’ review, either before or after.
“First Dates” is new offering on Broadway HD, a great resource for all genres of theatre. Although I’m normally loath to recommend a musical, Valentine’s Day is coming and we all need a change of pace, if not an all out hearts-and-flowers celebration. 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.