On Stage
British theatres have launched a profusion of talent onto the world stage, from actors and writers to directors and designers.
Theatre has a vital role in the cultural life of the country, providing entertainment, community education, developing local talent, and contributing to the local economy.
On Stage celebrates the diversity of theatre production in England. It takes TV audiences backstage at England’s regional theatres and tells their stories, from traditional playhouses to innovative projects.
On our journey, we witness the dedication and passion that drives actors and theatre production teams across Britain.
We visit a range of companies including musical and youth theatre, community projects, repertory companies, and even productions which operate outside the constraints of a theatre building.
Regional theatres
From the Curve in Leicester and the Everyman in Liverpool to the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick and Exeter’s Northcott Theatre, we go behind the curtains of theatreland to provide an insight into the world of drama.
We look at how theatres are working hard to retain and reach out to new audiences. , they have been developing large-scale community productions at the National Railway Museum whilst the Theatre Royal is being restored.
On Stage also discovers how a has become known as “the nursery to the stars”, the place where stars such as Vanessa Redgrave, Antony Sher and Julie Christie first trod the boards.
In Bristol, there’s a where student actors on the cusp of the professional world try to break through and stand out from the crowd.
We follow their progress as they try to impress agents and casting directors and take part in a competition to land major roles in the upcoming season at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre.
In south west England, we follow the tale of two heritage theatres – the New Theatre Royal and the Kings Theatres in Plymouth – as they face the challenges of fighting for audiences.
Looking to the future
On Stage looks at how theatres are shaping up for the next decade. It discovers how theatres are adapting to ever tighter funding from the Arts Council and local councils – and to the challenges of becoming cultural businesses.
We visit the which is experimenting with new productions designed to attract a new generation of theatre-goers. The theatre has also been experimenting with a partnership with the local university.
In London, we look at . We follow a new production at the independent, community-driven Soho Theatre. Can the show thrive and will the area’s identity survive?
Elsewhere, we ask if the regions are losing out to London which is home to a high proportion of theatres in the UK.
On Stage also looks at whether the decline of regional repertory theatre is stifling the growth of acting talent.
From Liverpool to London and Coventry to Keswick, we take you to the beating heart of British theatre.
