We were truly spoiled around Christmas with an abundance of filmed musicals on TV. If you missed any or are just craving some more, here are some of the ones you can catch on various streaming services on demand:
BBC iPlayer isn't just host to all their TV shows - it is also the location of some top quality theatre:
ANYTHING GOES
The 2021 production of Anything Goes from the Barbican theatre was not only the must see show of the year but also the must see filmed musical over Christmas. The good news is it is available to watch on demand for the entire year. Here's my review.
And not a musical but worth a watch:
J'OUVERT
Filmed last year at the Harold Pinter Theatre, J'Ouvert is a joyful and fearless story of two best friends, battling to preserve tradition in a society where women’s bodies are frequently under threat.
Available until April 26th 2022.
It's also worth a browse on iPlayer for various documentaries, concerts and musical movies including the 1935 production of Top Hat, Les Mis at 25, the original documentary that inspired Everybody's Talking About Jamie and the BBC's brilliant celebration Musicals: The Greatest Show
HAMILTON
This little known show seemed to be watched by a few people when the filmed version of the original Broadway cast debuted in 2020. If you haven't seen it yet, believe the hype! Here's my review from when the stream first premiered.
NEWSIES
Filmed live in Hollywood, this incredible musical starring Jeremy Jordan is a must see if you've never seen it before.
Of course, Disney+ is also brimming with all their iconic classic musical movies including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Aladdin - the later of which is rumoured to have the filmed West End version stream in the not too distant future. And if you haven't seen their latest movie... well, we don't talk about Encanto... but it's on there!
Also worth a watch is Howard - a documentary about Howard Ashman, the legendary lyricist behind some of Disney's best loved works.
COME FROM AWAY
Welcome to the rock! The global sensation reunited most of its original Broadway cast for a filmed extravaganza which premiered late last year. One of the most beautiful musicals in the world right now, put a candle in the window and the kettle on and prepare to be moved. Here's my review of the stream.
You can also catch the not to be missed musical TV sensation Schmigadoon on there.
DIANA THE MUSICAL
Taking the unprecedented decision to film this brand new musical about Princess Diana before it had even opened on Broadway has paid off as it means it can still live on now the show has shut on Broadway. It may not be to my personal taste but it has built a cult following and won an army of fans. At the very least, it needs to be seen to be believed.
SHREK THE MUSICAL
Brian D'Arcy James and Sutton Foster star in this musical adaptation of the beloved film series, filmed in 2013 during its Broadway run.
MISS SAIGON
The 25th anniversary performance filmed at the Prince Edward theatre is, in my opinion, one of the greatest filmed musicals there has ever been. While it winds up on TV regularly, you can watch it on Netflix on demand.
As well as filmed musicals, there is also an abundance of musical films on Netflix including Tick, Tick... Boom!, The Prom, Jingle Jangle, Mamma Mia and Once as well as the incredible film version of the play The Boys In The Band.
KIPPS
The new musical version of Half A Sixpence had its long awaited premiere over Christmas, and while some of the editing left a lot to be desired, it was still lovely to see this amazing musical on screen again. Be quick though as it's only streaming until January 28th 2022.
BILLY ELLIOT
Filmed while it was running at the Victoria Palace Theatre, see this gorgeous musical with songs written by Elton John, ahead of its forthcoming revival in Leicester this year.
Now TV also features the titles you catch on Sky Arts regularly including the filmed performance of Cats (not the 2019 movie thankfully), Jesus Christ Superstar, The Sound of Music, Walden and the 2021 concert The Show Must Go On: Live at the Palace Theatre.
RENT - LIVE ON BROADWAY
The final performance of Rent's phenomenal Broadway run was filmed and available to stream on Amazon (though if you're ancient like me it's cheaper to buy the DVD on Amazon)
Amazon is also full of plenty of digital musical films to rent or buy including Dear Evan Hansen, Cinderella and Everybody's Talking About Jamie as well as the classic TV show Smash!
The biggest collection of filmed theatre available on the Internet. These are just a few highlights:
42ND STREET
One of the best shows to hit the West End in recent years, this was filmed at Theatre Royal Drury Lane during its run in 2018. With a cast including Bonnie Langford and Tom Lister, this really is a must see - especially for anyone who loved Anything Goes recently.
ALLEGIANCE
One of the lesser known titles on this list. George Takei and Lea Salonga star in this World War II Musical filmed during its short run on Broadway. Perhaps not one you're familiar with but a fantastic watch. Here's my review from 2020.
JOHN & JEN
A recent filmed production, Andrew Lippa's John & Jen played Southwark Playhouse last year starring Rachel Tucker and Lewis Cornay. Exploring the dynamics of family relationships, here's my review from last year
MEMPHIS
One of my favourite musicals, this was filmed during its Broadway run in 2011 and stars Montego Glover, James Monroe Iglehart and human trash Chad Kimball. A hard watch at times, this is a show that ultimately steals your heart and soul.
KINKY BOOTS
Killian Donnelly and Matt Henry returned to the roles they had left for a filmed performance at the Adelphi Theatre. Based on the true story, Charlie Price and Lola find an unexpected way to save a shoe business in this beautiful show.
FALSETTOS
Filmed on Broadway in 2017, Falsettos is full of Broadway royalty including Stephanie J Block, Christian Borle and Andrew Rannells. It's worth it alone just to see the performance of 'I'm Breaking Down'.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
Inspired by the classic movie, this was filmed during its West End run in 2017 and features songs from George and Ira Gershwin including 'I Got Rhythm' and 'They Can't Take That Away From Me'.
You can also catch many digital titles that were created and streamed during the pandemic including BKLYN, First Date and The Sorcerer's Apprentice.
It's not just full of slime tutorials, you know. You can actually watch some official titles on there including this one uploaded for everyone to enjoy during the pandemic:
EUGENIUS
Head to youtube.com to see what else is on offer.
Home to a wide variety of theatre including opera and dance. There aren't as many musicals on this one so there is one to get excited about:
FUNNY GIRL
The West End revival from a few years ago stars Sheridan Smith and has been immortalised on screen in this fantastic filmed version. Also available on NowTV.
These 20 are literally just scratching the surface. Looking through these websites linked will keep you going through any long and boring nights in you may be facing. With free trials available for most, it's definitely worth a browse!
