One World Together – At Home
Planned by Lady Gaga and presented by Global Citizen. A global broadcast on 18 April to support frontline healthcare workers and the World Health Organisation.
Duration: 6 hours (available on YouTube) with a 2 hour highlights show on BBCiPlayer.
What was the viewing experience like?
There was a different host for each hour (Jameela Jamil, Matthew McConaughey, Danai Gurira, Becky G, Laverne Cox, Don Cheadle). Performers ranged far and wide from Adam Lambert, The Killers, Taylor Swift and Elton John to Delta Goodrem, Sheryl Crow, Little Mix, Tom Jones and The Rolling Stones.
It appeared slickly presented as you would expect from the funding behind it and was interspersed with messages of support and footage of people in lockdown across the world.
Is it worth watching?
For a unique line-up, including Asian, African and European singers performing in their own languages, as well as the big English language artists, yes. I watched the full-length version rather than the highlights package.
Where to watch?
Access on YouTube (segments).
All The Web’s A Stage
Presented by Theatre Together to support artists in the performance industries via charities Acting for Others, Help Musicians, and the Golsoncott Foundation.
Duration: 12 hours. Live streamed on Facebook 23 April 2020.
What was the viewing experience like?
With a different host for each section, this show celebrates the world of cabaret, comedy, dance, magic and theatre.
Variable, as you would expect from a variety of webcams of different qualities. Some pre-recorded films were excellent, and some performers with their monologues and songs came through without any sound or technical issues.
Generally, a brilliant day’s entertainment with artists such as Noah Thomas, Louise Dearman, David Hunter, Tom Milner,Tamaryn Payne, Laura Pick, Bryony Reynolds and The Yes Queens.
Is it worth watching?
If you like watching theatre or performance, yes. There are songs, monologues, poems, stand-up (or sit-down) routines, and a lot of charm and commitment, from a range of talented performers.
More importantly you can donate to performance charities to support performers who have been released from contracts and/or lost their income streams.
Where to watch?
Access via Facebook Live. Donate at Theatre Together.