Musicals hit the screen this September at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre

Michael Ockwell, Mayflower Theatre chief executive, said: “Since the theatre is unable to present live shows due to government guidance and as a not-for-profit organisation looking to maximise opportunities, the space is being used for socially-distanced screenings for musical lovers of all ages.

“Partnering with Stage2View, audiences will be able to enjoy their favourite shows on the big screen in the atmosphere of a real theatre.”

Productions including The King and I, An American in Paris, 42nd Street, Kinky Boots, The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage! and The Wind in the Willows will be screened from Wednesday, September 9 to Sunday, September 20.

Michael added: “I am delighted to be able to bring audiences back into our venue for this film series. What better way to enjoy filmed versions of great musicals than to sit in our fabulous auditorium.

“Whilst we are unable to present our usual offering to full audiences, this innovative use of our space for musical films takes us back to our heritage with our venue being used for both live shows and films. With a venue of our size the socially-distanced audience can safely enjoy a unique experience”.

Stage2View, a new venture between Austin Shaw, Joshua Andrews and Stuart Galbraith of Kilimanjaro, produces, finances and distributes high-end film captures of top West End and international stage productions.

Josh Andrews said: “We all want to be back presenting and watching live theatre as soon as possible but in the meantime, during these very challenging times for theatres and as a theatrical producer who has enjoyed bringing many shows to Mayflower Theatre, we are thrilled to be supporting the Mayflower Theatre Trust and the theatre’s recovery by helping to provide these screenings and we look forward to seeing audiences returning to the Mayflower to enjoy these fantastic stage productions on the very big screen that will stretch across the Mayflower stage!”

In line with current government guidance, safe measures will be in place including enhanced cleaning, e-tickets, and socially distanced spaces in between household parties in the auditorium. Bookers will be sent a pre-visit email which will detail all the measures.

The productions being shown include:

From Here to Eternity: The Musical: Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson's epic musical is adapted from one of the greatest American novels; a gripping tale of illicit love and army life which translates into a breath-taking, romantic and excitingly original show.

42nd Street: Peggy Sawyer is from small-town America and just a face in the chorus line of ‘Pretty Lady’, the new show from legendary director Julian Marsh. But when leading lady, Dorothy Brock is injured, Peggy’s dreams of stardom just may come true.

An American in Paris: Featuring the gorgeous music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin, this Tony® and Olivier award winning musical tells the impassioned story of art, friendship and love between American GI, Jerry Mulligan, and Lise, a beautiful young dancer in the 'City of Light'.

Kinky Boots: The West End production of the Tony® and Olivier Award winning musical. Charlie is struggling to save his business, while Lola is an entertainer with a wildly exciting idea. This unusual pair learn to embrace their differences and create sturdy stilettos! But their biggest achievement is their friendship.

The Wind in the Willows: The Musical: Join Ratty, Badger, Mole and impulsive Toad on their crazy adventure spiralling from Toad's insatiable need for speed! Featuring eye-popping design, exuberant choreography and a glorious score, the show is full of comedy, heart and thrills.

Red: A Broadway Play - Michael Grandage’s West End production of John Logan’s award winning play starring Alfred Molina. Under the watchful gaze of his young assistant (Alfred Enoch), the artist Mark Rothko (Alfred Molina) takes on his greatest challenge yet: to create a definitive work of art for an extraordinary setting. The original Broadway production of RED won six Tony® Awards including Best Play.

Ruthless! The Musical: Award winning show Ruthless is a hilarious spoof of Gypsy, Mame and All About Eve. It is a modern cult classic telling the story of talented 8-year-old Tina Denmark who will do anything to play the lead in her school play ... ANYTHING!

Hetty Feather: Join orphan Hetty as she escapes the Foundling Hospital and the harsh Matron Bottomly. Thrill as she discovers the travelling circus, quake as she braves Victorian London, and cheer as she overcomes all in her search to find true family.

The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage!: The award-winning Broadway production comes to the big screen. SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face catastrophe – until a most unexpected hero rises to taken centre stage. A theatrical party full of heart and humour, where the power of optimism really can save the world!

The Toxic Avenger: The Toxic Avenger is the creation of Tony Award-winners Joe DiPietro and David Bryan, who penned successful West End musical Memphis. Based on Lloyd Kaufman's 1984 film, the musical sees nerdy scientist Melvin Ferd the Third on a mission to clean up his city's toxic waste. But when a corrupt Mayor vows to halt his plans, Melvin is tossed into a vat of neon liquid and transforms into "Toxie", the Toxic Avenger.

Riverdance: This powerful and stirring reinvention of the beloved family favourite is celebrated the world over for its Grammy Award-winning music and the thrilling energy of its Irish and international dance. Filmed live at the 3Arena Dublin, the exact spot where it all began, the 25th Anniversary Gala Performance will bring Riverdance to the big screen for the very first time!

The King and I: Set in 1860s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

Full Listings:

Wednesday 9 September

7.00pm 42nd Street cert PG

Thursday 10 September

7.00pm Kinky Boots cert 12A

Friday 11 September

7.00pm An American in Paris cert PG

Saturday 12 September

3.00pm The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage! cert U

7.00pm The Wind in the Willows: The Musical cert U

Sunday 13 September

11.00am Hetty Feather cert U

2.00pm An American in Paris cert PG

7.00pm The Toxic Avenger cert 18

Wednesday 16 September

7.00pm From Here to Eternity: The Musical cert U

Thursday 17 September

7.00pm Red: A Broadway Play cert 15

Friday 18 September

7.00pm Riverdance 25th Anniversary cert U

Saturday 19 September

11.00am The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage! cert U

2.00pm The King and I cert PG

7.00pm Ruthless! The Musical cert 15

Sunday 20 September

11.00am – To be confirmed

2.00pm – To be confirmed

7.00pm – To be confirmed

Tickets priced at £18.50 with concessions available for Mayflower’s Musical Movies are on sale online at mayflower.org.uk and through the box office on 02380 711811.