It’s not often you’re encouraged to get your phone out before a performance begins. But in a ground-breaking initiative by the Hampstead Theatre, in association with picture-powered social network Instagram, you’ll be able to use it to catch the likes of Maisie Williams in acclaimed play I And You, streamed for free on IGTV.
Specially performed, filmed and edited for the portrait orientation-only medium, I And You will be available to watch on demand for 72 hours from 6pm on Friday 30 November until 6pm on Monday 3 December.
The full production will be available to view when you follow the play’s venue @hampstead_theatre, its stars – @maisie_williams and @zachwwyatt (Zach Wyatt) – or its playwright @lalatellsastory (Lauren Gunderson). It will be visible on their respective IGTV channels.
I And You is the witty and fulfilling story of youth and living life to the max. Housebound and confined to her room because of illness, Caroline (Williams) hasn’t been to school in months. But the unexpected arrival of classmate Anthony yields a bond which strikes an unlikely but life-changing friendship.
The show marks the stage debut of Game Of Thrones star Williams, and the professional debut of recent Guildhall graduate Wyatt.
Its free online presentation is part of the Hampstead Theatre’s Access for All programme, which seeks to provide access to quality theatre to as many audiences as possible.
Gunderson said of the announcement: “I’m truly overjoyed that this definitive production of my play I And You will be shown for free on Instagram. The more theatre we can offer people the better, and this is such a fresh and easy way to give millions of people a unique theatre experience…
“I myself will be watching from home in San Francisco with my kids and cat, and cannot wait to share Maisie Williams and Zach Wyatt’s incredible performances up close with the world.”
And whilst you’re at it, why not follow Official London Theatre on Instagram, for a unique combination of backstage fun, features and previews?