It has been announced that following the success of the recent live broadcast of Romantics Anonymous, Wise Children plan to offer live broadcast events as part of all future programming. The online format that they trailblazed for Romantics Anonymous was so successful that the company believe that they will continue working in this way, long into the future.

The company have today announced plans to revive their production of The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, directed by Emma Rice in a co-production with Kneehigh and Bristol Old Vic. Further details of the shows broadcast will be announced soon.

Last month after the theatre closures and the cancellation of the US Tour of Romantics Anonymous due to the pandemic, Wise Children brilliantly adapted to the new world by broadcasting the show all over the world, live from Bristol Old Vic. The company implemented a Covid-secure procedure used in the TV and film industry, by forming a bubble meaning that they could perform the show in its original form with singing, dancing and even kissing.

Artistic Director of Wise Children, Emma Rice, said: “Over the last few months, Wise Children have learnt things we never thought we’d need to know, with the core team taking on new roles ranging from Covid Safety Officer to Camera Operator. This was our chance to ensure that ‘the show will go on’, by doing what we do best: dreaming, daring, innovating, collaborating, creating and inspiring – even in the face of a global pandemic.”

Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic, Tom Morris, added: “Like a lot of theatres, Bristol Old Vic has seen its business turned upside down by Covid 19. But within that turmoil there are opportunities for radical chance and growth. We’ve long wanted to connect better with our national and international audiences and the technology which allows us to play simultaneously to audiences in our theatre and online gives us the chance to test that ambition.

“Sitting alongside other experiments we’re planning in Hybrid live stream theatre; the broadcasts of Flying Lovers will unlock new possibilities for us and our audiences. Through experiments like this, the theatre industry is discovering a new way to celebrate the unique thrill of live performance some of which will remain with us long after the pandemic has been quelled.”

Watch this space for further updates for the upcoming broadcast of The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk.