National Theatre has launched a new streaming service that offers international access to some of its much-loved productions.
It follows a trial on YouTube during the UK’s Coronavirus lockdown where the theatre gained over 15 million views for 16 productions over four months, reaching 173 countries around the world.
“Since the last stream finished in July, we have been determined to find a way to give our audiences access to these stunning filmed productions online once again,” said Lisa Burger, joint chief executive, National Theatre.
Prior to lockdown there had been regular screenings of NT productions in UK cinemas.
The platform will be available online and through smart TV, tablet and mobile apps including Google, Roku TV and Amazon Fire TV.
Subscribers will be able to watch productions including Coriolanus, Dara, I Want My Hat Back, Medea, Mosquitoes, The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters, Phèdre and Yerma. Performers include Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Adrian Lester, Helen McCrory, Michaela Coel, Helen Mirren and Dominic Cooper.
The catalogue will be added to every month and includes plays from the archive that are being released to a wider audience for the first time.
Unlimited access to the catalogue costs £9.98 per month or £99.98 per year. For access to a single play in a 72 hour window, it will be £5.99 for an NT Archive title and National Theatre Live titles are available from £7.99.
The National Theatre will collaborate with Bloomberg Philanthropies to provide free subscriptions and discounts.
