I’m not sure about you, but I feel like my brain is a little bit mush during this Great Pandemic of 2020! The expression ‘Netflix and chill” has taken a whole new meaning. Not that there’s anything wrong with watching (often) mindless television, but sometimes I want to feel that I’m putting this time in social isolation to good use. That’s where London’s virtual cultural offerings comes in.
If you’re into theatre, or opera, or classical music you won’t want to miss some of the at-home offerings from the likes of the West End, Royal Opera and Ballet, and London’s magnificent museums. (Yes, I like alliteration!)
First, there’s Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Shows Must Go On.” Each Friday at 2 p.m. British Time/7 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.) the legendary musical theatre composer premieres one of his West End musicals such as Phantom of the Opera (my favorite, so far), Jesus Christ Superstar (a close second), and Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat (which was the movie version with the amazing Maria Freeman and my oldest sister’s one true love, Donny Osmond. If you’re not old enough to know who that is, Google him). There was also a performance of some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best-loved songs that was part of a birthday celebration at Royal Albert Hall which was also incredibly entertaining. Watch it just to hear Glen Close sing! (Google her too!) If you’ve never been able to see a West End musical in person, this is a brilliant way to watch some of the best musicals without ever leaving your house! Most of the musicals are on YouTube for about 48 hours, so be sure to tune in before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Sundays.
The National Theatre at Home also has a fantastic line up of full-length dramatic productions which premiere each Thursday at 7 p.m. British Time/2 p.m. Eastern Time and run for about a week. I really enjoyed the first one, One Man, Two Guvnors with James Cordon, who was absolutely brilliant. Other plays have included Treasure Island and Frankenstein with Benedict Cumberbatch, and several more are on the way. Alongside the performances, there’s interactive content such as Q&A’s with the cast and post-performance talks.
If classical music is more your thing, check out everything the Royal Opera House has to offer. From well-known ballets like Swan Lake to operas such as La Traviata and even behind the scene tours, you’re sure to feel cultured. Granted, opera and ballet aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but this makes these two wonderful art forms available to just about everyone. What’s more, the Royal Opera has a way of staging its operas in a way that’s current and relevant. One of my first introductions to opera as a college student studying for a semester in London. My British Theatre class went to a Royal Opera production of The Mikado, which was staged as if it took place in the 1920s, flapper dresses, bowler hats and all!
You might have guessed that I’m a big fan of music and theatre. I love how music has a way of bringing people together on an emotional and spiritual way. Especially in these difficult times, music can provides solace. A group called Some Virtual Voices offers free, virtual singing sessions every Wednesday at 7 p.m. British Time/2 p.m. Eastern Time. Each week, you learn the words and music to a new song and get to sing it with this 900 member choir. How cool is that?! The repertoire is contemporary and eclectic, from “Björk to Beyoncé to Bowie” (according to its website).
If art or museums are more your pace, get some culture from the comfort of your couch. The Tate Modern has a fantastic video of its Andy Warhol exhibit which includes a nearly seven-minute video with the museum’s curators who explain the icon’s appeal, influence, and relevance.
The National Gallery, British Museum, and Natural History Museum also have fantastic exhibits that are online. But since I’ve visited those in person, I wanted to explore some museums that I might not otherwise visit. Check out the Courtauld Institute of Arts‘ virtual tour of seven rooms with pieces highlighting works from the Renaissance period to the 20th century, including works from van Gogh.
The Royal Academy of Arts also has a wonderful virtual tour of its galleries, or experience its Picasso and Paper exhibit video, which lasts about 40-minutes. Afterward, you’ll feel cultured, educated, and be able to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge. Go ahead – figure out a way to work this new info into your next Zoom call conversation!
So, there you go. Self-isolation is a great time to explore London’s cultural offerings right from your couch. For other suggestions, check out Visit London‘s #VirtuallyLondon page. Got other ideas? Share them in the comments or on our Jolly Britain Facebook page.