Empty theatres are set to be taken over by the BBC to record a number of plays, which will then be broadcast as part of the channel’s Culture in Quarantine initiative.

BBC Lights Up will work with more than 12 theatres and producers across the country for a three week season, featuring 15 newly recorded plays (a mix of premieres and ones being filmed for the first time) that will be broadcast on TV and radio, as well as iPlayer.

Some of the plays include Adam by the National Theatre of Scotland, Buttercup by 20 Stories High, Bush Theatre commission Harm, Soho Theatre’s Half Breed and Sadie by the Lyric Theatre.

BBC Arts Director Jonty Claypole said: “This has been the worst year in living memory for the performing arts - and the crisis is far from over. It is only right that the BBC - which has worked arm in arm with writers, performers and off-stage talent day-in day-out over the last 100 years - should support and celebrate our performing arts at this time.

 “The shows come from every corner of the UK - from Belfast to Glasgow, Cardiff to London. And, as well as broadcasting new and recent productions, we are also using our broadcast and digital platforms to celebrate all that theatres do for our society. Theatre has been at the heart of our culture for centuries and will continue to be so for many to come.”