9 best stagey things to watch on screen this April
Twelfth Night
NT Live, from 6 April
Tamsin Greig opened as Malvolia (a female Malvolio) in Simon Godwin's production at the National in February. WhatsOnStage reviewer Holly Williams said Greig "rises to the occasion" and "proves gender is no barrier". If you haven't had a chance to get down to the National to see Greig in action, it's coming to a theatre near you this month.
Funny Girl
Netflix
The UK tour of Funny Girl is in full swing, with Sheridan Smith and Natasha J Barnes both appearing in the main role of Fanny Brice. The role has also earned Smith an Olivier Award nom for Best Actress in a Musical. Before you head out to see the tour, see the role played by another legend, Barbra Streisand, in the 1968 film.
Wagner's Ring Cycle
BBC iPlayer
In a hugely ambitious project, BBC Arts, along with The Space and Opera North, filmed 15 hours of live opera for your viewing pleasure. Why not spend your long bank holiday weekend with your feet up and watch this German opera about a dwarf who has a magic ring stolen from him by two giants. And if that's not enough, there's a special version on YouTube where you can watch Richard Farnes conduct the whole thing!
Mamma Mia!
Netflix
ABBA got together 45 years ago. Nearly half a century. Feeling old? Remind yourself how much fun the Swedish pop group's music still is by singing along with Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Amanda Seyfreid. It's also directed by the West End production's director Phyllida Lloyd, so if the film gets you going, book tickets for the show.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
NT Live, 20 April
50 years since Tom Stoppard's play premiered at the Old Vic, NT Live will broadcast Daniel Radcliffe, Joshua McGuire and David Haig in the play set against the backdrop of Shakespeare's Hamlet. WhatsOnStage's Sarah Crompton said Harry Potter actor Radcliffe's Rosencrantz a "revelation" in a "a lovely, confident performance". Definitely one you need to see if you couldn't pick up tickets.
Matilda
Netflix, from 19 April
Tim Minchin is currently busy on Broadway prepping for the transfer of his newest musical Groundhog Day. But his first musical, Matilda is still going strong in the West End, with rumours of a UK tour. Later this month, the classic film makes its way onto Netflix if you fancy re-familiarising yourself with the child genius of Roald Dahl's novel.
Most Valuable Players
Netflix
This documentary follows three schools competing at the annual Freddy Awards, a US competition which puts high schools musical theatre groups up against each other. This is real-life Pitch Perfect stuff. A big drama of the film is that two of the schools have both picked Les Mis this year. Sacré bleu!
BBC Young Dancer 2017
BBC Four/BBC iPlayer
The BBC's "other" annual dancing competition is reaching its climax. It puts 16 to 20 year-olds up against each other in ballet, street, contemporary and South Asian dance categories. The first two finals have already taken place and are available on BBC iPlayer (no spoilers, please), and the latter two will take place from Friday 7 April.
Olivier Awards 2017
ITV
The line-up performing at this year's Olivier Awards was announced last week, and it's a corker: Amber Riley, Gary Barlow, Tim Minchin, Audra McDonald, Jesus Christ Superstar and a performance of Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes to name a few. What's more, the ceremony will be shown on ITV on Tuesday 11 April from 8pm (which is much better last year's 11pm Monday night broadcast). This is one not to be missed!
