Classic dance, drama, opera and comedy feature in the new line-up of live screenings at The Studio Theatre, Douglas, this spring.
Live screenings allow local audiences to see new and popular performances from the UK’s leading venues and featuring big name actors and directors without leaving the Island. See video.
Kelly Firth, who is in charge of media and promotions at The Studio Theatre, said: ‘There’s a fantastic array of shows available this year, all of them extremely different so there’s something for everyone – whether it’s a ballet, opera, play or musical.
‘Most of these shows are sold out at their UK stage venues and even at some live screening venues, too, so our programme offers local residents a great opportunity to be able to view them here in the comfort of The Studio Theatre.’
The latest programme is:
Tuesday 28th February
‘The Sleeping Beauty by the Royal Ballet from the Royal Opera House
‘A perennial delight and a much-loved classic, the production combines the best of classical ballet with all its charm and virtuosity, splendid music and talented dancers. The rich evocations of the baroque opulence of a royal court, the panoramic journey of a prince to the overgrown castle and the colourful characters in this famous fairy tale make this sleeping beauty a spectacle like no other. Tchaikovsky’s masterful score takes ballet music to a height of passion, sophistication and intensity that arguable has never been surpassed. Celebrate 70 years of The Royal Ballet’s landmark production.’
Thursday 9th March
‘Hedda Gabler’ by Henrik Ibsen from the National Theatre starring Ruth Wilson (Luther, The Affair, Jane Eyre) in a new production by Patrick Marber (Notes on a Scandal, Closer)
‘Just married, bored already, Hedda longs to be free. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon and the relationship is already in trouble. Trapped but determined, Hedda tries to control those around her, only to see her whole world unravel.’
Thursday 30th March
‘Madama Butterfly’ from the Royal Opera House
‘Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is one of the most popular of operas, with ravishing music and a heart-breaking story of a loving geisha deserted by a callous American husband. Cio-Cio-San, the young Japanese bride of dashing American officer Lieutenant Pinkerton, finds her romantic idyll shattered when he deserts her shortly after their marriage. She lives in hope that he will return. The exotic imagery of the Nagasaki setting is drawn from 19th Century Western artists’ romanticised view of Japan. Puccini’s music brings alive the birdsong of the morning, the ritual of a wedding and the seduction of the beautiful bride.’
Thursday 6th April
‘Twelfth Night’ by William Shakespeare from the National Theatre starring Tamsin Greig (Black Books, Green Wing, Episodes)
‘Tamsin plays Malvolia in a new twist on Shakespeare’s classic comedy of mistaken identity. A ship is wrecked on rocks, Viola is washed ashore but her twin brother Sebastian is lost. Determined to survive on her own, she steps out to explore a new land. So begins a whirlwind of mistaken identity and unrequited love. The nearby households of Olivia and Orsino are overrun with passion. Even Olivia’s upright housekeeper, Malvolia, is swept up in the madness. Where music is the food of love and nobody is quite what they seem, anything proves possible.’
Thursday 20th April
‘Rosencrantz and Guildernstein Are Dead’ from the Old Vic starring Danield Radcliffe (Harry Potter, The Woman in Black), Joshua McGuire and David Haig
‘Against the backdrop of Hamlet, two minor hapless characters, Rosencrantz and Guildernstein, take centre stage. As the young double act stumble their way in and out of the action of Shakespeare’s iconic drama, they become increasingly out of their depth as their new version of the story unfolds.’
The Studio Theatre is at Ballakermeen High School, St Catherine’s Drive, Douglas.
All screenings start at 7pm.
For more information on live screenings, including running times, and to book tickets, visit www.thestudiotheatre.im/ or ring 01624 600555.
Live screenings are supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.
