The month of November offers a rich and varied selection of theatre shows to stream from the comfort of your home. Whether you are looking for drama, comedy, dance, or musicals, there is something for everyone in this month’s lineup of shows. Here are some of the highlights and recommendations of the best theatre to stream in November 2023:
That Face: The debut play by Polly Stenham, written when she was only 19, is a dark and disturbing portrait of a dysfunctional family. Lindsay Duncan plays Martha, a manipulative and alcoholic mother who dominates her children, Mia and Henry, played by Hannah Murray and Matt Smith. The play, directed by Jeremy Herrin, was a hit at the Royal Court in 2007 and transferred to the West End in 2008. Now you can watch it online from the National Theatre’s archive.
Macbeth: Patrick Stewart and Kate Fleetwood star as the ambitious and murderous couple in Rupert Goold’s acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Set in a Stalinist dictatorship, the production features striking visuals, such as a bloody banquet, a hospital ward, and a butcher’s shop. The production, which originated at the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2007, was filmed for television in 2010 and is now available to stream from Digital Theatre.
Dance Umbrella: London’s international dance festival returns with a hybrid programme of live and online events, featuring artists from around the world. Highlights include Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan’s Rice, a celebration of the staple food and its cultural significance; Best of Enemies, a dramatisation of the televised debates between William F Buckley Jr and Gore Vidal in 1968, written by James Graham and starring David Harewood and Zachary Quinto; and Meetings, a comedy by Trinidadian playwright Mustapha Matura, about a couple who bond over food and politics.
Heathers: The Musical: The cult classic film about high school cliques and murder gets a musical makeover in this off-Broadway hit, which transferred to the West End in 2018. Carrie Hope Fletcher and Jamie Muscato play Veronica and JD, the rebellious outsiders who plot to take down the Heathers, the popular and cruel girls who rule the school. The musical, directed by Andy Fickman, features catchy songs, witty dialogue, and a dark sense of humour.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: The legendary dance company celebrates its 65th anniversary with a series of online performances, featuring works by its founder Alvin Ailey and other choreographers. Highlights include Revelations, Ailey’s signature piece that depicts the African American experience through gospel music and spirituals; Lazarus, a two-act ballet by Rennie Harris that pays tribute to Ailey’s life and legacy; and CRY, a solo piece dedicated to “all black women everywhere – especially our mothers”.
These are just some of the best theatre shows to stream in November 2023 that you should not miss. Whether you are looking for a cozy watch for a rainy day, a stimulating show for a theatre night, or a gift for a theatre lover, you will find something to suit your needs in this month’s selection of theatrical wonders. Happy watching!
