During the period when live stages across the globe were shut down due to the Covid crisis, a variety of spontaneous online performances emerged, offering solace and entertainment. Among these heartwarming initiatives, the venerable Sir Patrick Stewart embarked on a truly unique passion project: daily reciting one of William Shakespeare’s sonnets on social media. This intimate endeavor was initially sparked by his simple act of reading a sonnet to his wife over dinner.
Now, all 154 sonnets from the historic 1609 quarto edition have been meticulously compiled and released on Audible. This comprehensive collection, spanning nearly four hours, features Stewart’s iconic voice bringing each sonnet to life, including his deeply personal favorite, Sonnet 116 (“Let me not to the marriage of true minds”). Adding further depth, the recording includes Stewart’s insightful personal commentaries, offering listeners a deeper understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare’s timeless poetry.
Beyond Stewart’s profound contribution to digital theatre, the online landscape also presented glimpses of other exciting productions for audiences worldwide. These included a sneak peek of Sam Ryder’s portrayal in Jesus Christ Superstar and the digital debut of Back to the Future: The Musical, showcasing the adaptability and creativity within the performing arts during unprecedented times.