Exploring RSC Streaming: Your Guide to Watching Royal Shakespeare Company Productions Online

Are you a Shakespeare enthusiast or a lover of high-quality theatre productions? Then you’ll be thrilled to know that the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) makes many of its captivating performances available for online viewing. However, navigating the different streaming platforms offering access to RSC productions can be a bit confusing. This guide aims to clarify the options and help you choose the best way to enjoy RSC streaming.

Major Platforms for RSC Streaming: A Comparison

Several platforms offer access to RSC productions, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s delve into the key players: Marquee TV, Digital Theatre, and BBC iPlayer. Understanding their differences will help you select the platform that best suits your needs and budget.

The sheer variety of content available through different RSC streaming options can initially seem overwhelming. However, by understanding the primary platforms and their specific offerings, finding your perfect Shakespearean fix becomes significantly easier.

Marquee TV: A Premium RSC Streaming Experience

Marquee TV stands out as a subscription-based streaming service dedicated to high-quality arts programming. Its RSC collection is particularly impressive, boasting an extensive library of approximately 35 Shakespeare plays. This impressive catalog excludes only Henry VIII, Pericles, and Two Noble Kinsmen.

Marquee TV consistently offers a superb viewing experience, prioritizing high-definition video and wide-screen presentations. Their RSC offerings include many acclaimed productions, featuring renowned actors. Some highlights include the exclusive 2024 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream starring Matthew Baynton, Christopher Eccleston’s powerful 2018 Macbeth, Paapa Essiedu’s compelling 2016 Hamlet, David Tennant’s critically lauded 2013 Richard II, and Simon Russell Beale’s innovative 2016 Tempest, notable for its groundbreaking use of live motion capture technology. This makes Marquee TV a strong contender for serious RSC fans.

Digital Theatre: Flexibility in Accessing RSC Streaming

Digital Theatre provides a more flexible approach to accessing RSC productions. They offer both rental and subscription models. Users can choose to rent individual productions for a 48-hour period, giving them a convenient way to watch a specific play without committing to a subscription. Alternatively, they can opt for monthly or annual subscriptions, providing broader access to their extensive catalog.

The RSC collection on Digital Theatre is comparable in size to Marquee TV’s, encompassing approximately 34 Shakespeare plays. Similar to Marquee TV, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is absent from their current offerings. However, Digital Theatre distinguishes itself by including productions from other prestigious theatre companies, such as Shakespeare’s Globe and the Royal Opera House, broadening its appeal beyond just RSC enthusiasts. This makes it a good choice for those interested in a more diverse range of theatrical performances.

BBC iPlayer: A Curated Selection of Classic RSC Productions

BBC iPlayer offers a more limited, yet still valuable, selection of RSC productions. Instead of a broad catalog, they focus on a curated selection of historically significant and highly acclaimed performances.

Currently, BBC iPlayer streams two particularly noteworthy productions: a modern-dress adaptation of Hamlet from 2008, starring the iconic duo of David Tennant and Patrick Stewart; and Peter Hall’s celebrated 1960s trilogy, The War of the Roses, encompassing Henry VI, Edward IV, and Richard III. This trilogy features a legendary cast including Janet Suzman, Ian Holm, Peggy Ashcroft, and Roy Dotrice, offering a glimpse into a golden age of British theatre. This platform is ideal for those looking for specific, critically acclaimed productions rather than a vast library.

Tips for Optimal RSC Streaming

While the choice of platform depends largely on personal preference and budget, there are some general tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience regardless of your chosen platform.

Choosing Your Viewing Device

For the best possible viewing experience, a laptop or desktop computer is generally recommended over a smart TV. This is often due to more reliable performance and a more user-friendly interface. Smart TVs can sometimes struggle with streaming high-quality video, leading to buffering issues.

Troubleshooting TV Viewing

If you do choose to watch on a TV, double-check that you’ve accurately entered the streaming link. Incorrect entry is a surprisingly common cause of playback problems. Pay close attention to capitalization and any special characters.

Navigating Remote Keyboards

If you’re using a TV remote with an on-screen keyboard, you might find yourself struggling to locate certain characters. If you can’t find the colon (:) for example, try using a “Shift” key. Remote keyboards vary in design, and finding this often-missed function can resolve several typing issues.

Conclusion: Your Journey into RSC Streaming Begins Now

The RSC offers a fascinating and valuable collection of productions available for online viewing. Whether you prioritize breadth of selection, flexibility in access, or specific, historically significant productions, there’s a platform to suit your needs. Marquee TV provides an extensive catalog and high-quality streaming, Digital Theatre offers rental and subscription options, and BBC iPlayer curates a selection of renowned classics. With a little research, you can embark on your own journey into the world of RSC streaming and rediscover the magic of Shakespeare from the comfort of your home. Remember to consider these tips for the most seamless viewing experience. Enjoy the show!

Frequently Asked Questions: RSC Streaming

Where can I stream RSC productions?

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s productions are available on several streaming platforms. Marquee TV offers a large selection, focusing primarily on Shakespearean plays. Digital Theatre provides a similar range, with both rental and subscription options. BBC iPlayer offers a smaller, curated selection of historically significant RSC productions. Each platform has a slightly different catalog.

Which platform has the most RSC plays?

Marquee TV and Digital Theatre both offer a substantial collection of approximately 35 Shakespeare plays each (excluding Henry VIII, Pericles, and Two Noble Kinsmen), though their exact offerings may vary slightly. Marquee TV holds an exclusive streaming right to the 2024 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

What are some notable productions available for streaming?

Several acclaimed productions are available across different platforms. Marquee TV features Christopher Eccleston’s 2018 Macbeth, Paapa Essiedu’s 2016 Hamlet, David Tennant’s 2013 Richard II, and Simon Russell Beale’s 2016 Tempest. BBC iPlayer offers David Tennant and Patrick Stewart in a modern-dress Hamlet (2008) and Peter Hall’s 1960s War of the Roses trilogy.

Are there rental options available?

Yes, Digital Theatre offers a rental model alongside its subscription service. You can rent individual productions for a 48-hour viewing period. Marquee TV and BBC iPlayer are subscription-based services.

What is the best device for watching RSC streams?

While you can watch on a smart TV, a laptop or PC generally provides a better viewing experience and a more user-friendly interface.

I’m having trouble watching on my TV. What should I do?

First, double-check that you’ve entered the correct link. Incorrect entry is a common cause of streaming issues. If the problem persists, consult the platform’s help section for further troubleshooting.

My TV remote keyboard is missing the colon (:). How can I type it?

Many TV remote keyboards require using a “Shift” key to access additional characters, including the colon. Check your remote’s instructions for accessing special characters.

Are all RSC productions available for streaming?

No, not all RSC productions are available for online streaming. The selection varies depending on the platform and licensing agreements. The RSC prioritizes the live theatre experience.

Does streaming replace the live theatre experience?

The RSC emphasizes that while streaming offers access to their work, it cannot fully replicate the unique experience of attending a live performance.

How much does it cost to stream RSC productions?

The cost varies depending on the platform and the type of access you choose (subscription or rental). Check the pricing details on each platform’s website.