Sky Arts has extended its headline sponsorship of National Theatre Live in the UK for a further three years.
Two of the theatre’s hit productions will also be screened on Sky Arts, which last month became a free-to-air channel on Sky, Freesat and Freeview.
National Theatre Live broadcasts critically acclaimed performances to audiences beyond the theatre. It’s productions are regularly seen in cinemas. This year, the National Theatre at Home initiative also saw 15 productions broadcast to 13.9 million viewers via YouTube.
Emma Keith, Head of Broadcast and NT Live said: “The theatre and cinema industry have been greatly affected over the last year due to the coronavirus pandemic and many challenges remain, however we are committed to continue sharing our work with audiences.”
Sky Arts viewers will be able to enjoy Jane Eyre, a National Theatre co-production with Bristol Old Vic, directed by Sally Cookson and starring Madeleine Worrall and Felix Hayes, won rave reviews for its depiction of the trailblazing heroine and her fight for freedom. While Twelfth Night, directed by Simon Godwin and starring Tamsin Greig as Malvolia, will bring audiences Shakespeare’s well-loved tale of mistaken identity and unrequited love. Both productions will air on Sky Arts in December this year.
Vanessa Woodard, Director of Partnerships, Sky Arts, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the National Theatre. NT Live continues to be a fantastic way of making live theatre accessible to everyone and we are proud to be able to support this.”
As part of the partnership, members of Sky’s loyalty programme, Sky VIP, will continue to have access to private regional screenings and backstage tours, with over 70,000 tickets made available to customers via the programme last year.
