Scream, laugh and learn as theatre season goes online

An array of online theatrical delights is in store over the coming weeks as a leading regional theatre hosts an eclectic festival of live-streamed shows.

The series from Nottingham Playhouse begins on October 21 with a staged reading of Rootless Island Baby by Sarah ‘Rain’ Kolawole. It tells of Carly, a young social worker, conflicted by a case which triggers memories of her own childhood experiences in the care system. Her younger sister, who is white, was adopted by her ‘forever after’ family, while Carly – who is mixed race – remained in the care system.

Struggling to make the right decision for the little girls on her caseload and battling the views of her management, Carly painfully reminisces on the moments leading up to, and following her separation from her sister.

Bubble, taking to the stage on October 23 and 24, is by James Graham, the writer of hits including Ink, This House and the ITV drama Quiz. Ashley and Morgan both think they’ve found The One after years of break-ups, ghosting, and swiping left. Now butterflies, a million things in common, and embarrassing fantasies about the future.

Comid Daniel Kitson’s new show is conceived and written specifically to be performed in and streamed from theatres with limited audience capacity

Then, a national lockdown is announced and they’re faced with an impossible and urgent decision – quarantine apart, or maybe, take the crazy decision to isolate together?

As the nights draw in this autumn, the master of spooky tales, Mark Gatiss, invites audiences to turn the lights down low and gather round to hear him read some of his favourite ghost stories, live from the Nottingham Playhouse stage on October 30 and 31.

Featuring special guest Jade Anouka, the duo will present classics of the genre along with lesser-known gems.

In Hand Me Down, a story in dance and spoken word, three friends see their reflection in a family who exist on opposite sides of British identity, being pulled apart in an increasingly aggressive debate about race. It takes place on November 3.

Armed with just a chair, Lewis Doherty mimes every prop, makes every sound effect and brings to life over thirty characters in Wolf, cyberpunk, neon-noir, one-man action-packed blockbuster movie.

It’s set in Shadow City, where Detective Jay Walker is dead. With no leads and a case colder than ice, it’s up to his ex partner Patrick Wolf to bust some heads and find out who killed him. It will be performed on November 4.

Three West End leading ladies perform a programme of the songs which made their careers on November 6 and 7.

Join Rosalie Craig, Sandra Marvin and Jodie Prenger, with Amy Shackcloth on keys, in this celebration of musical theatre.

And Daniel Kitson presents his account of six extraordinary months on November 9.

Called Dot Dot Dot, his new show is conceived and written specifically to be performed in and streamed from theatres with limited audience capacity.

Online ticket prices vary. Visit nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk to book or for more information.