After yesterday’s dip into what my readers have been accessing on the blog during 2022, here’s my shortlist of 10 favourite things from the world of online theatre. Following the massive surge which came with this area when the pandemic ensured that there were no other alternatives, there has been an inevitable slowing down of product being released. Once again I’d urge theatre makers to consider audience members who for reasons for economics, geography or health issues rely on such material – as some venues/companies have shown it is perfectly possible to straddle both the digital and live theatre worlds. Although the former experience will never eclipse the latter it is certainly a more than acceptable alternative, especially if the content has already been created anyway; perhaps it might even assist with the finances. Here then (in alphabetical order) is what caught my online reviewing eye during 2022
BBC iPlayer Whatever one’s view of the BBC there’s no doubt that it has continued to put out quality material via its catch up service with productions often accessible for the whole year. Top picks (all still currently available) are: Prisoner C33, Isla and The Play What I Wrote
BBC Sounds The audio arm of the BBC regularly features online material and their Drama On 3 initiative has a stockpile of over 80 productions from classics to experimental drama. Recommended He Do The Waste Land In Different Voices, The Machine Stops and The Miser
Fizzy Sherbet: My top theatre podcast of the year featured 13 eclectic plays from female identifying writers. Series 2 was released earlier this year (series 1 appeared in 2020 but somehow I had missed it). I seem to recall jellyfish featuring heavily! (All the episodes are still available)
Grenfell: This verbatim drama recreates the enquiry which followed the loss of so many lives in the tower block disaster. It premiered on Channel 4 and is still available on their catch up service All 4. Harrowing but essential viewing
Grey Man: One monologue, two actors and an intriguing storyline. This is a richly experimental piece from Liminal which uses split screen technology to excellent effect. Its digital run is due to be repeated in 2023 so watch out for it
NT At Home: The National Theatre’s initiative continues to give excellent value from both a distinguished archive and with new productions from both its own stages and other venues. Particularly enjoyable this year were: A Taste Of Honey, Death Of England and London Assurance (the latter is particularly hilarious)
Odds On: My online pick of the year. This innovative look at the world of online gambling from Dante Or Die has a clear message without being preachy. The piece went on a digital tour and is still currently available to watch
Original Theatre Online Having found a winning theatre/film hybrid format during the pandemic, the Original Theatre Company have continued a rolling programme of new and revived material. The Red and Stumped made for entertaining and though provoking viewing
Scenesaver I probably spent more time with the ever expanding Scenesaver collection than anywhere else online. Particularly notable were The Most Dangerous Woman In America, Earth & Fire, Water & Air and the Finborough Theatre’s resonant series #Voices From Ukraine; all of these are still available
The Space Proving that its perfectly possible to run live, live streamed and recorded theatre simultaneously, the venue in London’s Docklands now has a dedicated page on its website for digital theatre. Of interest over the past year were Almost Adult, The Highwayman and Abigail
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