London theatre from ActDrop
Theatres in London are currently closed
Owing to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, most London theatres stopped performances on 16 March and others quickly followed.
Some shows have simply been suspended while others have been cancelled or postponed.
We have updated our listings to reflect information we have received about show cancellations and postponements.
We will continue to update our listings as we get news of shows being rescheduled.
West End theatres - (update on 6 April)
The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) on behalf of the major commercial West End theatre operators and the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) has today announced that all performances at West End theatres are cancelled up to and including 31 May 2020.
This increases the closure period from the previous date given of 26 April.
However, you can still book tickets for upcoming performances later in the year at West End venues through our tickets site.
Fringe and Off West End theatres
Theatres outside of the West End have postponed their activities for various periods of time and many have cancelled shows, especially those which were due to play during the second half of March and April.
We await further news from the government about when theatres in general may be allowed to re-open.
Smaller theatres, of course, depend on ticket sales for their existence, and will find difficulty in meeting their overheads during this period of closure.
So many theatres are accepting donations.
If you are in a position to help you might wish to check out your local theatre's website - find our list of theatres by London borough here.
Jermyn Street Theatre Flooded
After successfully reaching its initial £10,000 target in a public fundraising campaign, Jermyn Street Theatre was severely flooded on Wednesday 8 April.
Jesus Christ Superstar
The Shows Must Go On YouTube Channel is releasing a full-length musical once a week for you to watch for free.
Next up is the arena production of legendary rock classic, Jesus Christ Superstar (2012) on Good Friday, 10 April, starring Tim Minchin, Melanie C and Chris Moyles.
You can watch on YouTube from 7pm on Good Friday, 10 April, and the show will be available for 48 hours.
Watch Mushy: Lyrically Speaking - for Free!
Rifco Theatre Company are giving you another chance to watch Mushy: Lyrically Speaking from the comfort of your own home.
Image courtesy Rifco Theatre Company
Mushy: Lyrically Speaking is an uplifting tale inspired by the true story of Musharaf Asghar (Educating Yorkshire).
Dewsbury, 2013.
Mushy, a young man with a debilitating stammer, finds himself at the centre of a television documentary.
In a moment of inspiration from his teacher, Mr. Burton, he starts to find a rhythm in his voice through music.
Social media erupts hailing it a miracle cure and both teacher and pupil become overnight celebrities.
But Mushy's journey to find his voice has only just begun ...
Starring Varun Raj (Dubailand, Baar Baar Dekho) as Mushy, Oliver Longstaff (Operation Neptune, Absurd Person Singular) as Mr Burton and Medhavi Patel as Ammi (Three Sat Under the Banyan Tree, Women of the Mahabharata).
Streaming channel from Wise Children
Join Emma Rice live this Thursday at 4pm on Wise Children's new streaming channel on Twitch.
Emma will be hosting exclusive backstage footage from Romantics Anonymous, Malory Towers and Wise Children in a very special live edition of the company's podcast.
24-Hour Song Challenge
West End and Broadway star Elaine Paige challenges Olivier award-winning cast of Showstopper! The Improvised Musical to compose a new song against the clock!
Virtual Chickenshed
Like many other theatre companies in London and around the rest of the UK, Chickenshed have turned the coronavirus crisis into a creative opportunity by establishing 'Virtual Chickenshed' - an online initiative through which everyone can continue to share thoughts and ideas, as well as offering online access to a range of projects and activities.
Here's a video about the company's online work ...
Chickenshed's recent production of Waiting for the Ship to Sail was cut short when the venue had to close its doors back in mid-March.
But the YouTube premier of the show will soon be online and you'll find more details about that and the other projects coming to Virtual Chickenshed here.
If you're unfamiliar with Chickenshed's unique mission to provide inclusive theatre that changes lives, then watch this film by Lex Halaby which gives a deeper insight into the company's invaluable work.
The Tempest - live in your living room
Easter bank holiday will see a new innovative, interactive and anarchic response to making theatre under lock down.
National Theatre Home
While the National is closed, you can enjoy its world class theatre online FREE!
Image courtesy National Theatre
Currently showing: One Man, Two Guvnors
Upcoming:
Jane Eyre - from 9 to 16 April
Treasure Island - 16 to 23 April
Twelfth Night - 23 to 30 April
Check here for more details.
The Understudy - new online radio play
A new online radio play - The Understudy - will be raising funds for the theatre industry with broadcasts on 20 and 27 May 2020.
Omnibus Theatre Online
Omnibus Theatre Online is a brand-new digital platform for artists and audiences.
Image courtesy Omnibus Theatre
The weekly venture launches on Tuesday 7 April with Our Day's coming-of-age comedy-drama DEM TIMES.
The last Tuesday of each month will be dedicated to Engine Room, Omnibus Theatre's scratch programme whereyou can catch dynamic and talented theatre makers presenting daring, new work in the first stages of development.
Book tickets for ...
