Theatre Together, a new collective of more than 50 artists and professionals, has announced an online event, All the Web’s a Stage, featuring a variety of live performances to raise money for those in the arts facing hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic on Shakespeare Day, Thursday 23 April.
Performances will be streamed live throughout the day and can be watched for free, with the opportunity to donate. Further details on streaming platforms and the charities being supported will be announced shortly.
Performers taking part include Danny Mac, Tom Milner, Jodie Prenger and La Voix. Further participants and programme details have yet to be announced.
Danny Mac said, “at this moment of worldwide crisis, many of our colleagues in the arts are facing severe hardships as their jobs literally disappear. It’s so important the industry comes together to support each other, and this feels such a fitting way to raise money for those in need and allow audiences to continue enjoying live performance.”
Co-producer Paul Virides added, “our world faces unprecedented times, and we in the arts are facing huge challenges, with the CIF indicating today that 47% of freelancers in the arts have lost 100% of their booked gigs. Across the UK, artists have been coming up with ingenious ways to stay connected and support each other during this time.
“23 April has long been a significant day in the theatre world to celebrate the life of Shakespeare. His quote that ‘all the world’s a stage’ when we can’t access our own stages has never felt more resonant in our lifetimes. In 1661, 23 April also marked the beginning of the restoration of theatres in Britain: the end of the last time we were forced to close for a prolonged period of time. So it feels the perfect date to come together to celebrate live performance and raise money for our colleagues struggling at this critical time.”