Phoebe Waller-Bridge's One-Woman Stage Show of 'Fleabag' to Stream Online
Programme Name: Fleabag - TX: n/a - Episode: n/a (No. 2) - Picture Shows: L-R Fleabag (PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE) - (C) Two Brothers Pictures Ltd. - Photographer: Luke Varley
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Get excited, Fleabag fans: Phoebe-Waller Bridge's critically acclaimed, one woman stage version of the story will stream online for two weeks this spring, all to benefit a variety of COVID-19-related charities.
Fans of the television show may not be aware that Fleabag first came to life as a play back in 2013, well before it was adapted for the small screen by BBC Three and Amazon. Waller-Bridge took Fleabag back to the theater last year, playing to sold out audiences during runs in both London's West End and New York's Off Broadway. National Theater Live originally broadcast this version back in September of last year, but it's never been available to watch online.
The award-winning series follows the story of a free-spirited, sexually active and angry young woman in London known only as Fleabag. The character - played by Waller-Bridge herself - regularly breaks the fourth wall to address the audience, offering up exposition and a generally hilarious running commentary on the events of the world around her.
While only two seasons of the television series exist, its second outing was nominated for 11 Primetime Emmy Awards in 2019 and won six, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. Basically, what I'm saying is that any version of this story is going to be worth your time.
And now, thanks to a partnership between DryWrite, Amazon Prime Video National Theatre Live in London, the Soho and Annapurna Theatres, Waller Bridge's 2019 revival of the stage production that started it all will be available for fans to watch on a variety of services around the world, all with the goal of raising money for several U.K. charities supporing those affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Viewers in the U.S. will be able to watch the production on Amazon Prime beginning Friday, April 10. It will be available as a 48-hour download, and will cost £4.00 (or approximately $5.00).
“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," Waller-Bridge said in a statement. "All money raised will support the people throughout our society who are fighting for us on the frontlines 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.”
Are you a fan of Fleabag? Any interest in watching the stage play of her story for a good cause?
