David Farnor | On 06, Apr 2020

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s theatre production of Fleabag is now available to stream online in the UK, thanks to a new partnership between Soho Theatre and Amazon Prime Video.

Soho Theatre is no stranger to streaming, with its own Soho Theatre On Demand platform hosting a range of content. Now, the theatre has added the hit theatre show of Fleabag to its catalogue in aid of several UK based charities that are on the front lines of combatting the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting those affected by it.

Written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and directed by Vicky Jones, produced under their DryWrite banner by Francesca Moody, the one-woman show played to a sold-out house at Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End last summer and a sold-out house Off Broadway in New York last Spring.

Recorded at Wyndham’s Theatre and first broadcast to cinemas by NT Live in September 2019, Fleabag is available to stream in the UK and Ireland first for an initial run as of today on Soho Theatre On Demand. For two weeks beginning on Friday 6th April, it will expand to include access on Soho Theatre On Demand in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, as well as on Amazon Prime Video in the US and UK.

The production can be rented for 48 hours for £4.00, with all proceeds (less taxes and processing costs) going to charities. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, DryWrite, Soho Theatre and Annapurna Theatre, in partnership with National Theatre Live in London and Amazon Prime Video, have joined together for the release.

Waller-Bridge said: “I hope this filmed performance of Fleabag can help raise money while providing a little theatrical entertainment in these isolated times. Thank you to all our partners and to the creative team who have waived their royalties from this production to raise money for such vital causes in this unbelievably challenging situation. All money raised will support the people throughout our society who are fighting for us on the front lines and those financially devastated by the crisis, including those in the theatre community. Thank you in advance to those who donate. Now go get into bed with Fleabag! It’s for charity!”

The National Emergencies Trust (NET) Coronavirus Appeal will receive 35 per cent of each donation, supporting the most vulnerable in society. The NET will be funding local charities across the UK, including social isolation charities, food banks and others supporting individuals impacted by coronavirus. Additionally, 35 per cent of each donation will be sent to NHS Charities Together, which supports NHS staff and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients.

Acting For Others, an organization that provides financial and emotional support to theatre workers in times of need, will receive 15 per cent of each donation. As theatres across the UK have gone dark, cinemas, galleries, museums and concert venues have closed their doors, TV shows and films have paused production, workers in the arts sector are particularly at risk of losing their earnings.

The remaining 15 per cent of each donation will go to the FLEABAG SUPPORT FUND, distributing grants of £2,500 to freelancers working in the theatre industry who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic and are in urgent financial need. Details of how to apply for a grant will be available at sohotheatre.com/fleabagsupportfund.

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