Amazing news for Phoebe Waller-Bridge fans (let’s face it, who isn’t one?), as the filmed play of Fleabag will be available online to stream for the first time ever!
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, DryWrite, Soho Theatre and Annapurna Theatre, in partnership with National Theatre Live in London and Amazon Prime Video, have put the full show online.
Those of you in the UK and Ireland can watch Fleabag on the Soho Theatre On Demand website here for a minimum donation of £4. For two weeks from Friday 10 April, you’ll also be able to buy a 48-hour download of Fleabag on Amazon Prime Video for £4, and access will expand to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US, so don’t panic if you’re further afield!
The original poster for Fleabag
The proceeds from these streaming platforms will go to several charities, including the National Emergencies Trust and NHS Charities Together. Support will also go to arts charities and funds supporting those who work in theatre; Acting For Others as well as the new Fleabag Support Fund, will give grants of £2500 to freelance theatre workers most in need.
Later this week the Fleabag team will announce further details of the organisations in the US that will benefit from the proceeds raised.
Fundraising is already at £356,000, including a substantial donation from Phoebe Waller-Bridge herself, and this money has already been distributed to charities. You can donate directly to the GoFundMe here.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge at the Olivier Awards Nominees celebration in 2014
First performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013, Fleabag is the one-woman play that the 2-season BBC series was based on. Featuring nothing more than Phoebe Waller-Bridge, a stool and a spotlight, this pared-down monologue returned to London 6 years after it’s debut to a sold-out run.
The play is nominated for two Olivier Awards this year – Best Actress and Best Entertainment or Comedy Play – for its run at Wyndham’s Theatre.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge said:
“I hope this filmed performance of Fleabag can help raise money while providing a little theatrical entertainment in these isolated times. Thank you to all our partners and to the creative team who have waived their royalties from this production to raise money for such vital causes in this unbelievably challenging situation.
“All money raised will support the people throughout our society who are fighting for us on the frontlines and those financially devastated by the crisis, including those in the theatre community. Thank you in advance to those who donate. Now go get into bed with Fleabag! It’s for charity! Px”
Find the stream and more information through the links below: