Latest on BBC Sunday Night Performance shows this August 2022

The BBC and Shakespeare’s Globe are teaming up on broadcasting three more filmed versions of archive Shakespeare’s Globe shows for BBC Four and BBC iPlayer.

The partnership is timed to celebrate the Globe’s 25th Anniversary this year.

The three productions include Michelle Terry in Twelfth Night from 2021, Emma Rice’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream from 2016, and Gemma Arterton in The Duchess of Malfi from 2014.

The broadcasts will be part of BBC Four’s new Sunday Night Performances strand, showcasing the best of the UK’s dance, theatre, music and spoken word in specially made films for television every week of the year.

Other already announced Shakespeare’s Globe productions included in the Sunday Night Performance strand on the BBC are a TV recording of the RSC’s new production of Much Ado About Nothing starring Akiya Henry (Beatrice), Luke Wilson (Benedick) and Taya Ming (Hero), directed by Roy Alexander Weise; and Ghosts in the Ruins, the Nitin Sawhney piece commissioned by Coventry Cathedral and Coventry City of Culture Trust to mark 60 years since the consecration of Coventry Cathedral, created with Coventry’s professional musicians, poets and communities.

The production of Twelfth Night was directed by Globe Associate Artistic Director Sean Holmes, with current Globe Artistic Director Michelle Terry playing Viola. A Midsummer Night’s Dream was Emma Rice’s first production as Artistic Director at the Globe, and stars Ncuti Gatwa, Anjana Vasan, and Meow Meow. John Webster’s revenge tragedy, The Duchess of Malfi was directed by previous Globe Artistic Director Dominic Dromgoole, and was the first production in the new Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.

The first BBC Four broadcast will be in Spring, with all further dates to be announced.

As You Like It

As previously announced, Shakespeare’s Globe is also teaming up with the BBC this summer to bring Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It to families across the UK.

The special BBC CBeebies adaptation will take audiences on a magical journey as Shakespeare’s most famous comedy comes to life.

CBeebies’ Steven Kynman (Robert the Robot) will revive his role as Shakespeare himself as he endeavours to convince a modern-day developer of the value of plays and theatre before the Globe is demolished to make way for a block of flats. Rosalind and the team of players bring the joy of Shakespeare’s comedy in a production that is full of laughter, song and audience interaction. Other characters will be played by many of CBeebies’ most loved stars who’ll encourage the whole family to join in the fun.

Patricia Hidalgo, Director BBC Children’s and Education said: “We’re thrilled to join with such an iconic British institution as Shakespeare’s Globe to bring the work of Shakespeare to life. Making the arts accessible to our young audiences is something we are deeply passionate about so I’m delighted that through CBeebies, families will be able to enjoy the live experience of Shakespeare at the Globe from the comfort of their homes.

As You Like It for BBC CBeebies will be produced by BBC Kids & Family Productions, part of BBC Studios Productions. It was commissioned by Kate Morton, Head of Commissioning and Acquisitions 0-6 and is Exec Produced by Vanessa Amberleigh.

Performances will take place at the Globe on 9 and 10 August 2022. The show will then air on BBC CBeebies and BBC iPlayer over Easter 2023.

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