With a third national lockdown in 2021 and all theatres, cinemas, and other recreational venues closing, some may struggle to entertain themselves or others over the next few weeks.
However, many places, including theatre companies and museums, both in the Midlands and elsewhere, are offering online performances, tours, masterclasses, Q&A sessions, and more.
Birmingham Museums has a range of lectures to come, from one on J. R. R. Tolkien’s childhood tomorrow (January 12th), to one about the recent development of children’s toys on the 26th.
A little further afield in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the Royal Shakespeare Company is still offering the chance to watch classic Shakespeare plays on BBC iPlayer, from Romeo and Juliet to the Merchant of Venice, and more.
Much further down South, but equally accessible from your front room, is the Old Vic theatre’s ‘Old Vic: In Camera: Playback’ series, where pre-recorded productions are streamed live.
Audiences will be able to watch Michael Sheen’s performance in Brian Friel’s ‘Faith Healer’ from January 20th to the 22nd, or see ‘The Crown’s Matt Smith and Claire Foy reunite in a socially-distanced performance of ‘Lungs’ from the 27th to the 29th, or a number of other productions.
For a more practical slant, Birmingham’s own Hippodrome theatre is offering practical workshops in the performing arts for both adults and children – teaching skills like writing, performing, and spoken word, beginning on January 16th, and running through to March.
In addition, Warts and All Theatre, based in the Midlands, are offering Link Up sessions on specific dates, where audiences get the chance to ask questions to established creatives.
Previously, guests have included comedian James Acaster, actor Rob Brydon, and producer Katy Lipson.
The next Link Up session on February 2nd will feature West End director Emma Rice. Tickets are Pay What You Like, and proceeds go to charity.