If this third lockdown has given us one thing, it’s given us more time -time to consume even more musicals.
Especially with Storm Christoph fast-approaching and set to bring heavy rain across the UK; it’s the perfect time to have an emotional rollercoaster. You’re probably going to laugh and you’re probably going to cry.
These musicals are all available to stream. From those nostalgic Sunday night musicals to all-star-cast Oscar-nominated films, we bring you a guide you can easily sing-along to.
1. Mamma Mia (2008) and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)
If there’s one thing that will get you through lockdown, it’s singing the greatest hits of ABBA at the top of your voice. There’s no point denying it, Mamma Mia and its sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again are probably the most feel-good films ever made.
Soon we’ll all be dancing, bringing in the bright colours of Greece to our dull living rooms with Mamma Mia. Especially since last year’s viral TikTok trend; recreating the song “Why Did It Have To Be Me?” but instead of dancing with Lily James, you can dance with your partners, or even your cats, or plants.
You can watch Mamma Mia on Youtube here.
2. The Sound of Music (1965)
It’s the ultimate family musical about a nun, Julie Andrews, who just can’t stop singing in the Austrian hills and it’s guaranteed to leave you with a warm glow.
I always cry throughout this film, pandemic or not, thinking about my family and my childhood. Every song is so nostalgic it’s the perfect musical to watch under your duvet and treat yourself with the ultimate form of comfort viewing.
You can watch The Sound of Music on Disney+ here.
3. High School Musical (2006)
Unless you are a certain brand of millennial or Gen Z-er, HSM has an ongoing cultural legacy.
HSM created the ideal high school experience. About the romance of two teenagers who are starring in their high school’s musical. It has the basics that every musical needs to succeed, an engaging cast (Zac Efron), catchy songs (What Time Is It), and a relatable theme.
You can watch HSM on Disney+ here.
(Heads up: HSM 2, HSM 3, and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series are on there too.)
4. Les Miserables (2012)
I’m sure you probably saw this one coming a mile off. The absolute classic that is Les Mis.
All performances of Les Miserables: The All-Star Staged Concert, featuring Alfie Boe and Michael Ball, to 28th February were cancelled last year.
If you can’t get enough about historical musicals, you should check out the best period dramas that are perfect for bit of escapism:
5. Hairspray (2007)
Yes, another Zac Effron musical. From the beginning to the end, Hairspray makes you want to get up, dance and sing. It features teenager Tracy Turnblad, who dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show. Along the way, she joins the struggle for racial integration in 1962 Baltimore.
You can watch Hairspray on Amazon Prime here.
6. Hamilton (2020)
The original cast’s performance was released last year on Disney+. The show won a groundbreaking 11 Tony Awards, a Grammy, an Olivier Award, and a Pulitzer, so, yes, you need to watch it again.
Top tune: Any of Daveed Diggs’ songs featuring Lafayette and Jefferson (Guns and Ships, What’d I Miss)
7. Grease (1978)
Set in the 60s Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) have a whirlwind summer romance, despite high school drama getting in the way.
After 40 years of its release; you might sometimes cringe at the whole premise of “changing yourself for a guy/girl”, but the songs are just so good.
You can watch Grease here on Amazon here.
National Theatre
After the success of its Thursday night streams on Youtube during the first lockdown, the NT has finally launched an online catalogue of theatre including shows and musicals on its website.
Creative industries have been heavily impacted by months of lockdown and you can donate to the National Theatre’s fundraiser here.
You can read more about #SaveTheArts:
