Scenesaver

‘No two performances can ever be exactly the same. James Bond is James Bond whenever you see him – he is burned into a piece of celluloid and will never change. But theatre is always different. But – and this is the big but – what happens if you aren't lucky enough to be able to get to the theatre?’ said Caroline Friedman, award-winning producer and creator of Scenesaver, with chilling foresight in 2019.

Scenesaver is an online platform that serves theatre-starved enthusiasts and students who desperately desire a glimpse of live acts from a wide variety of international artists. While actors, directors and writers across the world battle with mission impossible today (creating live and engaging art in the midst of a pandemic), Scenesaver provides a much-needed space for them to showcase their work. With a fortnightly ‘Theatre Club’ as well, freely registered users (donation encouraged) can also get together and discuss performances.

Launched in pre-Covid 2019, the website houses an extensive back catalogue of ovation-precipitating performances: including a selection of OnComm (online theatre awards) applicants and winners as well as audio-described and signed works. It also covers a plethora of mediums and genres from puppetry to opera, folkloric horror to madcap musicals.

A practical resource for teachers and students alike, it's possible to access more work by a specific actor, director or writer by clicking on their name – a search tool would be a welcome addition though. You can browse miscellany icons such as ‘Blink’ (shows available for a limited time), or by genre, site specific performances or ‘festivals’. Reading Fringe and 14/48 Takeover (plays written by 8- to 12-year-olds, performed by adults) have some real edge-of-the-/rolling-around-the-sofa-laughing shows.

It's difficult to review Friedman's project without wanting to delve into discussing the many wonderful productions it hosts, which is testament to the usability of the site. It's very easy to while away many otherwise grey and walled-in moments in the unconfined performances.

Some stand-out ones: Chickenshed's beautifully arranged and thought-provoking musical, Blowin’ in the Wind, a show that traces the tale of racial prejudice through the ages; Dan Horrigan's A Coward in Love, expertly executed writing and acting (from Jamie Pigott) and Emily Jane Rooney's heart-warming poetry laced comedy set Big Girl. In Emily's words, ‘We're doing it, aren't we?’. Yes, we are, just about – thanks to Scenesaver.

www.scenesaver.co.uk