After the success of the RNT's transmisison of 'Live' theatre in Cineworld and other cinemas, now comes another first, this time for Sky digital television: Theatre Live. And for anyone involved in theatre in any way, shape or form, this has to be required viewing.
For those without Sky and Sky Arts 1 in particular the premise is this. Six novelists, with no prior playwriting experience, are asked to write a 30 minute play for televison to be broadcast 'live' on Sky Arts 1, at 9.00pm on Wednesday night. The series is hosted by Sandi Toksvig and each week a different writer, cast and director, take over Sky Studio 6 which as been turned into a 200 seat theatre and go out 'live'. The idea is to bring 'live' drama back to television; bearing in mind that early TV drama was always broadcast this way, warts,gaffs and all. It is also aimed at getting people back into theatre by experiencing the joy of live theatre. The first ten minutes or so feature interviews with cast and writer, and show the cast in rehearsal; almost like a theatre programme come alive and there is a ten minute section at the end when the writer joins Sandi for a final chat about the play.
Ironically I missed the 'live' broadcast, but was blown away last night on the repeat of a play dealing with the onset of dementia by poet and novelist Jackie Kay. It was stunning with laughter and drama equally balanced. The next play is written by Kate Moss, the author of Labyrinth and Sepulchre.
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