Jenna Coleman, David Morrissey and Denise Gough to perform virtual Tom Stoppard show for charity

Jenna Coleman, David Morrissey and Denise Gough will perform a live virtual play reading beginning this weekend.

Entitled "The Remote Read", the event will raise money not only for out-of-work technicians and creatives but also The Felix Project, a scheme that helps redistribute food to charities and schools.

The first play to be read will be Tom Stoppard's A Separate Peace, set in a private nursing home that is disrupted by the arrival of a new patient.

Appearing alongside Coleman, Morrissey and Gough will be Ed Stoppard and Maggie Service, with the show directed by Sam Yates (The Starry Messenger).

The shows will see the actors perform script-in-hand over Zoom.
The first live performance will take place in on 2 May, with more information available on The Remote Read website.

The producers behind The Remote Read are CurtainCall in partnership with US-based non-profit organisation Apples and Oranges Arts and UK-based non-profit Platform Presents.

Co-founder of CurtainCall, Matt Humphrey said: "At a time when the whole world is consuming content, yet studios and theatres across the globe have shut down, we wanted to get talented creatives and technicians working together again. Our community is passionate about collaborating on creative projects, and The Remote Read is going to help them do just that."

Yates said: "Tom Stoppard's one-act play is a vibrant and moving exploration of connectedness and care. It is exciting to explore the possibilities of a new and untested form – presenting a play online – with a stellar cast, designer, lighting designer, sound designer and stage manager. It comes at a time when artists are exploring how we can adapt our practices and connect with audiences."

The creative team also includes lighting designer Nat Green, sound designer Sam Glossop, costume designer Amelia Sierevogel, tech designer Tim Kashani, production manager Kate West and stage manager Georgia Bird.