The Stage

Theatreland TV channel to launch in December

Published Tuesday 25 November 2008 at 14:45 by Matthew Hemley

A digital television channel dedicated to theatre, featuring programmes about West End stars and industry issues, will launch next month.

Theatreland TV will debut on Virgin Media as a video-on-demand channel, allowing viewers to select content from a variety of programmes that will have a particular focus on London’s theatre scene.

The channel’s opening library of content will include a Steven Berkoff interview, in which he talks about the influx of Hollywood actors taking roles in London plays.

Other content available from the launch will include a programme in which Elena Roger discusses her role in Piaf at the Vaudeville Theatre.

Leon Hawthorne, founder of Theatreland TV, said the channel would begin with around ten to 20 hours of free content, updated monthly. This will be made inhouse and amended as shows open and close.

However, Hawthorne said his aim was to include programmes about performers who will be of interest regardless of any show they might currently be appearing in.

Those lined up to make appearances in the future include Elaine Paige and The Sound of Music’s Summer Strallen.

Hawthorne also said the channel would feature experts discussing the state of the industry and programmes about those working behind the scenes, including set builders, choreographers and producers.

“Every show that is on in the West End we aim to cover on the channel. We don’t just want the stars of the shows but the big names from behind the scenes, including Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh,” he said.

Hawthorne said the channel, which will cover plays, musicals, opera and comedy, will become available on TV-on-demand service BT Vision from next year.

He explained his aim was to eventually make it available in hotels and on international flights to the UK, so tourists visiting London can access content about the West End.

Hawthorne has invested his own money into the project to enable its launch, but said he was hopeful he would be able to attract sponsors and advertisers to work with the channel going forward.

The channel, owned by Hawthorne’s company Videobite, has also completed a deal with ticketing company See Tickets, which will see the two work together on cross-promotional activities.

Shorter versions of programmes from Theatreland TV will also be available online, at www.theatreland.tv