Set out below are just some of the organisations offering free access(or limited free trials) to their resources.
Where free trials are offered we have tried to avoid any that demand your card details up front before the trial so you should be able to leave at the end of the trial period without any further commitment but please read the details before signing up
BBC
The BBC is releasing a lot more ‘Box Sets’ for those who like to binge watch.Some examples, Luther, Silent Witness, Fleabag, Line of Duty etc. To see them all scroll down to ‘Binge-Worthy Series’
Will also be available on your smart TV
Books
Access to million of books in the USA Library System. You need to sign up but it is free at the moment. This facility may be removed at any time once the crisis is over
Amazon are making many audible books free to stream – you cannot download them but you can listen to them on your PC,ipad, phone etc. Many of them are children’s books but there literary classics and books read in other languages if you want to practice your French/German/Spanish etc
Gutenberg Collection
Project Gutenberg is a library of over 60,000 free eBooks. Choose among free epub and Kindle eBooks, download them or read them online. You will find the world’s great literature here, with focus on older works for which U.S. copyright has expired. Thousands of volunteers digitized and diligently proofread the eBooks, for enjoyment and education.
Scribd .
A vast collection of books and audiobooks on limited free trial
Theatre/Musicals
The National Theatre is presenting a new show each week starting on the Thursday and lasting one week
9 July, The Deep Blue Sea starring Helen McCrory will be presented, while the following week on 16 July the final production will be Amadeus, with Lucian Msamati playing Antonio Salieri.
Broadway Musicals from the Lincoln Centre
#LincolnCenterAtHome enables you and your family to keep the performing arts front and center. Tune in daily for creative workshops and world-class performances!
Free productions from the Globe Theatre
Bristol Old Vic
See their site for details
Cirque du Soleil
The world-famous troupe is showing the most impressive moments from its larger-than-life shows
The Old Vic
Offering a selection of free streams
Chipping Norton Theatre
The Contagion Cabaret. Join the cast of actors, scientists and literary researchers for a witty, moving and entertaining take on the pandemic crisis of the moment
Music, Opera, Ballet
Sadlers Wells Ballet offering performances and workshops
Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage
Sadler’s Wells presents a programme of full-length dance performances, films and workshops online, to keep you entertained and connected through dance, wherever you are in the world while our live stages are dark.
Royal Opera House offering both ballet and opera performances
London Philharmonic Orchestra program of concerts
Glyndebourne Opera
Can’t go to Glyndebourne? Well, let Glyndebourne come to you! A new opera released free to stream for a week every Sunday at 5pm
US Metropolitan Opera – streaming productions
Opera North
Lots of delights on their YouTube channel, from short orchestral jollies to full-on Wagner.
Glastonbury Festival Online
Camp out in the sitting room and enjoy some spectacular Glasto highlights. Later this month, BBC Two, BBC Four and BBC iPlayer will show classic Glastonbury performances in full from some of the biggest artists in the history of the festival, including Adele (2016), Beyoncé (2011), David Bowie (2000), which will be the first time that performance has ever been broadcast in full on television, Coldplay (2016) and Jay-Z (2008). There will also be a pop-up BBC Glastonbury channel.