David Farnor | On 29, Jun 2020

BBC iPlayer has released Rush, a new play starring Rupert Everest, to celebrate Pride.

The comedy, written by Willi Richards, stars Everett alongside Omari Douglas and Daniel Boyd. is a provocative examination of romance, desire and infidelity. It debates control and convention, freedom and responsibility within a familiar love triangle. It was recorded live, within the social distancing guidelines and in multiple locations. With no rehearsal, the actors’ first and fresh rendition of the script is captured with the brittle intimacy of fixed, close-up filming.

The play was due to open in June 2020 in London’s West End and was cancelled due to COVID-19, during the same month that has meant traditional Pride celebrations are unable to go ahead. Rush was directed by Joseph Winters, edited by Josh Williams and produced by Roger James Elsgood and Stephen Daldry.

The play leads a line-up of LGBTQ+ content commissioned by the BBC. A number of new LGBTQ+ audio works on BBC Sounds have also been ordered from by emerging artists, and BBC Two has also picked up a documentary about pop art icon and AIDS activist Keith Haring, which is currently available to stream as part of Sheffield Doc/Fest.

Stephen James-Yeoman, Commissioning Exec for BBC Arts, says: “Arts and culture has played an important role in helping to shape and share differing perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues. With many Pride events postponed due to COVID-19, we wanted to play our part to keep the celebrations and conversations very firmly alive. Through BBC Arts’ Culture in Quarantine initiative, we hope this selection of innovative broadcast and BBC iPlayer works – from the Oscar-nominated Stephen Daldry to emerging artists in the LGBTQ+ community – will help to bring a little pride to everyone at home.”

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