I was immediately intrigued when I heard about Opera Helps Online, which sees opera singers engaging digitally with members of the public to try to help them in dealing with personal problems.
It's a project that was initially delivered live in people's homes a number of years ago, but now, in a response to COVID-19, will be reaching people via internet means.
To find out more I spoke to the project's creator, artist and opera enthusiast Joshua Sofaer.
CLICK HERE to read this Caro Meets interview.
'Opera Helps' Online seeks to harness the redemptive power of opera to help with people's personal problems. Anyone can apply for an 'Opera Helps' slot, which is completely free, via operahelps.com or by calling 07943 939395. Arrangements are then made for a singer to meet you online.
The 2020 Virtual Edinburgh Festival is winding down, though there are still some shows happening this week, some of which we tip below.
Plus loads of performers and companies who are regulars at the Edinburgh Fringe have other online projects and shows in the works as the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt across the cultural community. And we'll be tipping those in the weeks ahead, alongside the real world shows as they slowly return.
So look out for those tips here in your in-box each Monday morning while the COVID shutdown continues in one form or another. Though, don't forget, if you'd rather not receive these updates, you can unsubscribe at any time using the bespoke unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email.
THREE THINGS FROM SHEDINBURGH>>
Sophie Duker: Wacky Racists | Shedinburgh Fringe Festival | 2 Sep (pictured)
Most of the online stuff that had a specific connection to the Edinburgh Fringe is over now, but Shedinburgh continues this week and there is so much great content promised in the last few days of the festival I just went ahead and gave it its own section. We are starting with the fabulous Sophie Duker, serving up "another melanin-rich comedy milkshake for your delectation and delight". Click here.
Ahir And Olga | Shedinburgh Fringe Festival | 4 Sep
Next up is a double bill from two TW faves: double Edinburgh Comedy Award 'Best Show' nominee Ahir Shah and panel show regular Olga Koch, who is - according to the blurb - obsessed with her exes. "Come for the love letters, stay for the myriad of gig t-shirts from bands she doesn't even like." More here.
White Rabbit Red Rabbit | Shedinburgh Fringe Festival | 5 Sep
"The play you're about to see is sealed inside an envelope. The actor who's going to perform has never seen it. In fact, there is a new actor every performance". We first witnessed and loved this rather interesting piece at an edfringe close to a decade ago, but it's a concept that won't get old. This performance sees TV face Tobias Menzies taking up the challenge. Read more about it here.
THREE THINGS TO STREAM>>
Roald Dahl's 'The Twits' | Unicorn Theatre | 5 Sep-30 Nov (pictured)
And now, more streaming culture for you. This one's for your kids, as it comes courtesy of the rather excellent Unicorn Theatre and it's a reading of Roald Dahl's 'The Twits', performed by storytellers Martina Laird and Zubin Varla. It's split into three episodes, but all three will be made available as of 5 Sep via YouTube. Head to this page here after 10am on Saturday.
Thinking On Sunday: Crime Dot Com - From Viruses To Vote Rigging, How Hacking Went Global | Conway Hall | 6 Sep
More fascinating sounding online content from Conway Hall: "Investigative journalist Geoff White charts the astonishing development of hacking, from its conception in America's hippy tech community in the 1970s, through its childhood among the ruins of the Eastern Bloc, to its coming of age as one of the most dangerous and pervasive threats to our digital world". Details here.
Denouement | Traverse Festival | 7-20 Sep
More now from Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre and their programme of online accessible culture. This one's an audio recorded reading of 'Denouement', a comedy by John Morton nominated for the inaugural Popcorn Award for playwriting. "It's 2048 and the end of the world is nigh. Actually, it's not that nigh - it's been going on for flipping ages and everyone's a bit over it, to be honest". Click here.
THREE REAL WORLD THINGS TO SEE>>
West End Musical Drive In | 5, 12, 19 + 26 Sep
Yes, if you haven't already, then perhaps it's time to think about taking in a post-lockdown show in real life. Perhaps one that you can drive your car to. Especially if you are a fan of the West End musical. New dates have been added by popular demand to West End Musical Drive In's schedule, including one this weekend featuring past and present cast members of 'Six The Musical'. Find out more here.
Talking Heads by Alan Bennet | Bridge Theatre | 7 Sep-31 Oct
As you've no doubt noticed, we tend not to cover the more West End and mainstream stuff here at TW Towers, choosing instead to focus on fringe productions. But, you know, we occasionally step outside of that MO, as you'll have noticed from the previous tip, and now this: which is a collection of famous people doing Alan Bennet monologues to socially distanced audiences. They are being performed in pairs, take a look here to decide which you would like to see.
Cloudscapes | Greenwich + Docklands International Festival | 5-6 Sep (pictured)
I really love clouds. I mean, I could probably have done with fewer of the kind that delivered us torrents of rain last week, but I do love looking at cloud formations, no matter how grey they are. Which is why I was attracted to this. "Lie back and relax as cloud enthusiast Lorna Rees invites you to contemplate the troposphere. Her dreamy commentary on the passing skies will allow you to appreciate the temporary 'galleries' created by clouds". Don't mind if I do, thanks. Free, but you need to book cos COVID. Click here.
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