List of Free YouTube Theatre Channels for the Theatre Buff
- leonglaimeng
- Dec 12, 2020
- 2 min read
The pandemic has scuttled vacation plans for most of us in 2020 and travel restrictions are likely to stay for next year as well. For theatre buffs who used to catch the latest Broadway or West End shows when they travel to New York or London, the travel restrictions have been a real bummer. It is also sad to see so many theatre staff put out of work all these months, not just the frontline actors but the backend staff too.
So it is a huge consolation that many theatre or production houses have streamed their past productions on YouTube for limited time to keep the theatre vibe going. Below is a non-exhaustive list of some great YouTube channels to follow for good theatre productions.
The Shows Must Go On channel promises showtunes, backstage access and full performances from some of the best loved musicals in history. Full performances are featured for limited time view and new performances are refreshed quite frequently.
Some of the highlights are screening of Phantom of The Opera (25th Anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011) and Cats (1998 Elaine Paige version). In fact, Phantom of The Opera was screened twice in April and October due to popular demand. Well, one can never have too much of the magnetic duo of Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess!
The UK National Theatre channel showcases world-class theatre that is entertaining, challenging and inspiring. Their tour productions usually travel to the West End and all around the world. Most thespians worth their salt will consider theatre acting to be the epitome of acting. So it is not surprising that the National Theatre often feature huge Hollywood names who are willing to drop their fees to go on stage.
Benedict Cumberbatch alternated as Dr Victor Frankenstein and the Creature in two versions of the monster hit Frankenstein. Tom Hiddleston starred in the title role of Coriolanus - Shakespeare's searing tragedy of political manipulation and revenge. These are just some examples of the famous faces and there are many more. The channel refreshes new shows so you will never be bored.
Stratford Festival is a Canadian channel which produces theatre works in the classical and contemporary repertoire, with special emphasis on the works of William Shakespeare. Their productions feature elaborate sets with excellent lighting and sound effects.
The above list of channels is by no means exhaustive. Other channels like Playbill and Broadwaycom regularly churn out cast reunion videos whereby cast members gather online for performances or chatter. YouTube will make suggestions based on your viewing habits, so new gems may be uncovered once you start watching. Even if full performances are not always available, it is still great to watch snippets. Quoting Hugh Jackman's famous line in the hit musical film The Greatest Showman: "The Show Must Go On"!
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