Lights Up

BBC Arts turns the spotlight on drama, as Culture in Quarantine continues to bring arts and culture into the nation’s homes, by partnering with theatres across the country to produce an unprecedented season of plays. BBC Lights Up will bring stages and studios across the UK to life by supporting hard-hit organisations and artists, ensuring that audiences at home can continue to enjoy theatre on the BBC.

Folk — Drama on 3

Folk by Nell Leyshon. Inspired by Cecil Sharp's song-collecting in Somerset in 1903

Release date:
09 May 2021
Welcome to Iran — Drama on 3

By Nadia Fall. Lockdown Theatre presents the Theatre Royal Stratford East production.

Release date:
23 May 2021
The Winter's Tale — Lights Up

A new production of Shakespeare’s play, staged for the screen by the RSC.

Release date:
25 Apr 2021
Buttercup — Lights Up

Fortune is live streaming her truth, weaving together words of survival and solidarity.

Release date:
14 Apr 2021
Harm — Lights Up

Razor-sharp comedy about a woman’s obsession with a seemingly perfect Instagram influencer

Release date:
13 Apr 2021
Sitting — Lights Up

Katherine Parkinson's play about love, loss and the importance of human connection.

Release date:
07 Apr 2021
Pale Sister — Lights Up

Pale Sister is a powerful retelling of the classic tale of Antigone by her sister Ismene.

Release date:
30 Mar 2021
J'Ouvert — Lights Up

An award-winning play about the epic journey of two friends at the Notting Hill Carnival.

Release date:
26 Apr 2021
Orpheus in the Record Shop — Lights Up

Rapper Testament’s tale of redemption charges ancient myth with vinyl’s magic crackle.

Release date:
21 Apr 2021
Adam — Lights Up

The true story of a young trans man and his remarkable struggle to be himself.

Release date:
06 Mar 2021
Sadie — Lights Up

Sharp-tongued Belfast cleaner Sadie confronts painful episodes from her turbulent life.

Release date:
31 Mar 2021
Half Breed — Lights Up

Semi-autobiographical, coming-of-age drama about finding your voice.

Release date:
06 Apr 2021
"I am that mixed race kid" — Lights Up, Half Breed

A theatrical recording of the hit play by Natasha Marshall.
Lights Up

A virtual theatre festival staged in lockdown.
Lights Up: Braids — Drama

Radio 4 partners with Live Theatre, Newcastle to broadcast this funny and moving play.

Release date:
20 Mar 2021
The Fishermen — Drama on 3

A powerful allegory of brotherhood, vengeance and fate.

Release date:
28 Feb 2021
Constellations and Elegy — Drama on 3

Nick Payne's celebrated stage plays explore science, time and love.

Release date:
28 Mar 2021
The Meaning of Zong — Drama on 3

As part of BBC Lights Up, Olivier Award winner Giles Terera stars in his own debut play.

Release date:
21 Mar 2021
Lights Up: Stripe by Stripe and Other Stories — Drama

Rakie Ayola reads short stories by Leonora Brito. A National Theatre Wales production.

Release date:
13 Mar 2021
Lights Up: Dedication (Part 2) — Drama

Shakespeare is on trial. Just what was his relationship with the Earl of Southampton?

Release date:
05 Apr 2021
Lights Up: Dedication (Part 1) — Drama

Shakespeare is on trial. Just what was his relationship with the Earl of Southampton?

Release date:
04 Apr 2021