From live-streams of new plays to classics from the archive, here are some of the top shows online now or coming soon – this page is updated regularly
Top theatre shows to watch online this Christmas
What does it mean to stage a play in an empty theatre, no matter how many are watching on Zoom? The Old Vic’s stream of Faith Healer – with the divine cast of Michael Sheen, Indira Varma and David Threlfall – begins by revealing rows of unfilled seats. Director Matthew Warchus accentuates the emptiness to bring out elements of Brian Friel’s four monologues, shared by three characters who colour in or contradict each other’s stories. It’s a spellbinding evening. The Old Vic’s recorded performance is available to watch from 20–22 January, and its equally impressive production of Duncan Macmillan’s Lungs, starring Matt Smith and Claire Foy, can be seen from 27-29 January.
