The National announced four more productions to be streamed on their YouTube channel this morning! Every Thursday at 7pm, they’ve been streaming a new play live as part of the National Theatre At Home initiative. Each production is then available for 7 days on YouTube, and there are a whole load more starry names coming up.
The star hosts of the next National Theatre at Home Quiz at 7pm on Monday 25 May have also been announced, with James Graham, Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter, Lucian Msamati, Meera Syal, Simon Callow, Tamsin Greig, and Jessie Buckley posing questions. The Quiz is available via the National’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Find the National Theatre At Home schedule for the next 4 weeks below:
14 May: Barber Shop Chronicles
This archive recording of Inua Ellam’s play has never been seen by the public before! Filmed in its second sell-out run in 2018, the smash-hit play tells the interlinking stories of black men from all over the world, who have been meeting in the unique culture of barbershops for generations. Directed by Bijan Sheibani, the cast includes Fisayo Akinade, Hammed Animashaun, Cyril Nri and Sule Rimi.
21 May: A Streetcar Named Desire
The fastest ever selling play in Young Vic history, this brilliant production was filmed for NT Live back in 2014. Tennessee Williams’ heartbreaking classic tells the story of aging Southern Belle, Blanche DuBois, who turns to her sister as her life falls apart. Directed by Benedict Andrews, the cast includes Gillian Anderson as Blanche, Ben Foster as Stanley and Vanessa Kirby as Stella.
28 May: This House
You may have seen This House writer James Graham’s name bandied about recently, as he wrote Quiz, the 2017 play that’s been adapted for ITV starring Michael Sheen as Chris Tarrant. This House is a funny and insightful look at British politics, set against the 1974 hung Parliament. Full of infighting and backstabbing, political parties are all vying for a chance to shape the future of the nation. Jeremy Herrin directs a cast including Phil Daniels, Reece Dinsdale, Charles Edwards and Vincent Franklin.
4 June: Coriolanus
Shakespeare’s bitter tragedy of politics, treachery and revenge stars Tom Hiddleston in the titular role. With Rome facing threat, Coriolanus steps up to defend his city, but he has enemies closer to home. Staged by Josie Rourke, at the Donmar Warehouse, the play also features Alfred Enoch, Deborah Findlay and Mark Gatiss.