Fleabag [1] fans, rejoice! While we're still devastated that there will never be a third season [2] of this heartbreakingly hilarious comedy, we couldn't be more pleased that the show is returning to our lives this week in a slightly unexpected way. A September 2019 recording of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's one-woman stage show that inspired the series is now available to rent on the Soho Theatre On Demand website [3], and it's all to raise money for artists and NHS workers.
The performance was filmed at Wyndham's Theatre in London's West End during Fleabag's revival tour, and you can rent it now. There are four purchase options available on the Soho Theatre website. The packages range from a £4 rental of the show (this option will not donate no money to charity), a £10 option (£6 will be donated), a £100, and £250 package. Fans in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US will also be able to stream the performance soon, as it will be available to download for 48 hours on Amazon Prime Video, from 10 April. So, we'll finally get a glimpse at where all the guinea-pig-filled drama and witty sex jokes began.
"Now go get into bed with Fleabag! It's for charity!"
"I hope this filmed performance of Fleabag can help raise money while providing a little theatrical entertainment in these isolated times," Waller-Bridge said in a press release. "Thank you to all our partners and to the creative team who have waived their royalties from this production to raise money for such vital causes in this unbelievably challenging situation. All money raised will support the people throughout our society who are fighting for us on the frontlines and those financially devastated by the crisis, including those in the theatre community."
The proceeds from downloads of the stage performance will be distributed in four parts. The National Emergencies Trust (NET) Coronavirus Appeal [4] will receive 35 percent of each donation to fund local charities across the UK, including food banks and those impacted by coronavirus. NHS Charities Together [5] will also receive 35 percent of each donation to support National Health Services staff and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients.
Additionally, 15 percent of each donation will go to Acting For Others [7], a charity that supports theatre workers in the UK who have suffered financially due to the closure of galleries, cinemas, and museums. The final 15 percent of each donation will go to the Fleabag Support Fund [8], which will distribute grants of £2,500 [9] to freelance workers in the theatre industry who are in urgent financial need as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. "Thank you in advance to those who donate," Waller-Bridge added. "Now go get into bed with Fleabag! It's for charity!"