5 of the best
Plays to watch at home in the next few days
1 CORIOLANUS National Theatre Live, streaming from June 4 to June 11
Tom Hiddleston (Betrayal, The Avengers, The Night Manager) plays the title role in Shakespeare’s searing tragedy of political manipulation and revenge. When an old adversary threatens Rome, the city calls once more on her hero and defender: Coriolanus. But he has enemies at home too. As famine threatens the city, the citizens’ hunger swells to an appetite for change, and on returning from the field, Coriolanus must confront the march of realpolitik and the voice of angry people. Josie Rourke directs the company including Mark Gatiss (The Madness of George III, League of Gentlemen), Hadley Fraser (Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Young Frankenstein), Alfred Enoch (Tree, Harry Potter film series) and Deborah Findlay (Allelujah!, Top Girls). Coriolanus was filmed live on stage at the Donmar Warehouse in 2014 by National Theatre Live.
Where to watch: The National Theatre channel on YouTube
2 ANANSI THE SPIDER Unicorn Theatre, streaming until July
Inspired by its 2019 fivestar hit show, Anansi the Spider, about the infamous mischief-maker and master spinner of yarns, the theatre has adapted the classic West African and Caribbean tales for viewers at home. Made with its film partner Illuminations, the fun online performance features music, song and humour. One episode will be released every Saturday at 11am - the first was made available on May 30 - with each available on demand for the following three weeks. It’s ideal for ages three to eight and is presented in partnership with The Guardian.
Where to watch: The Unicorn Theatre channel on YouTube
3 THE UNKNOWN ISLAND Gate Theatre, streaming now
The Unknown Island is a striking, inventive and rebellious adventure story about dreaming of the impossible and trying to cross the vast distances between ourselves and each other. Based on Nobel prize-winning novelist Jose Saramago’s short story, The Tale of the Unknown Island, it’s a reminder of times past - with the cast sharing bread, olives and wine with the audience.
Where to watch: The Gate Theatre channel on YouTube
4 THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Shakespeare’s Globe, streaming until June 14
Doublemeanings, disguises and dirty laundry abound as Sir John Falstaff sets about improving his financial situation by wooing Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. But the ‘Merry Wives’ quickly cotton on to his tricks and decide to have a bit of fun of their own at Falstaff ’s expense.
Where to watch: Find the Shakespeare’s Globe channel on YouTube
5 I WISH I WAS A MOUNTAIN Egg theatre, streaming now Written and performed by
former Glastonbury Poetry Slam Champion Toby Thompson, I Wish I Was A Mountain uses rhyme, live music and just a smattering of metaphysical philosophy to boldly reimagine Herman Hesse’s classic fairytale.
Where to watch: vimeo. com/401349317