It has been revealed that Sky Arts and National Theatre Live have formed a new partnership deal, meaning that Sky Arts (now available on Freeview) will continue to be the headline sponsor for all NT Live shows for the next three years.

It will also continue to provide exclusive content and screening opportunities for those who take part in Sky’s VIP programme.

As a part of the partnership, Sky Arts will present two NT Live shows, Twelfth Night and Jane Eyre, on its new Freeview channel number 11 this December. This will be the first time any National Theatre Live shows have been broadcast on television.

Head of Broadcast and NT Live, Emma Keith, said “We’re delighted that Sky Arts is continuing its headline sponsorship of National Theatre Live in the UK for the next three years, a partnership based on our shared goals of bringing arts and culture to everyone across the UK.

“The theatre and cinema industry has been greatly affected over the last year due to the coronavirus pandemic and many challenges remain, however we are committed to continue sharing our work with audiences. We are thrilled that Jane Eyre and Twelfth Night will be shown on Sky Arts this December, the first time NT Lives titles will be seen on the small screen, and we hope many people will watch and enjoy them later this year”

The specific dates that Simon Godwin’s production of Twelfth Night and Sally Cookson’s version of Jane Eyre will be shown on Sky Arts are yet to be confirmed, but watch this space.