Staged (2020)
A sharp, self-aware comedy in which David Tennant and Michael Sheen play themselves rehearsing a West End play over video call during lockdown.
Staged - Series Information
- Original Title: Staged
- First Air Year: 2020
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Created by: Simon Evans
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (22 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 10, 2020 (United States - TV-14), June 10, 2020 (United Kingdom - 15)
- Networks: BBC One, BritBox
- Alternative Titles: ステージド (JP)
- Production Companies: staged films, GBC, Infinity Hill
- Production Countries: Argentina, United Kingdom
Staged - Plot
David Tennant and Michael Sheen (playing themselves) were due to star in a production of 'Six Characters in Search of an Author' in the West End. The pandemic has put an end to that, but their director (Simon Evans) is determined not to let the opportunity pass them by.
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Staged - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Simon Evans
Main Cast
- David Tennant
- Michael Sheen
- Anna Lundberg
- Georgia Tennant
- Lucy Eaton
- Simon Evans
- Nina Sosanya
- Ben Schwartz
- Whoopi Goldberg
- Ebony Aboagye
Writers
- Simon Evans
Executive Producers
- Axel Kuschevatzky
- Michael Sheen
- Cindy Teperman
- David Tennant
Staged - FAQs
Is Staged based on a true story?
Staged is rooted in a real situation: David Tennant and Michael Sheen were genuinely set to star in a West End production of Luigi Pirandello's Six Characters in Search of an Author when the COVID-19 pandemic forced theatres to close. The series fictionalises what might have happened next, with both actors playing heightened versions of themselves.
Where can you stream Staged online?
Staged is available to stream on BritBox, accessible directly or via the BritBox Apple TV Channel and BritBox Amazon Channel. You can also purchase or rent episodes on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on The Roku Channel.
Did Staged win any awards?
Staged earned strong recognition during its run. The series won a BAFTA Television Craft Award and received nominations across multiple ceremonies, with particular praise directed at David Tennant and Michael Sheen's performances. Its inventive pandemic-era format was widely celebrated by critics and industry peers alike.
How many seasons and episodes does Staged have?
Staged ran for three series plus a collection of specials, totalling 20 episodes. Series 1 contains 6 episodes, Series 2 expands to 8 episodes, and Series 3 wraps things up with 6 episodes. There are also 3 special episodes available as Season 0.
Who are the main actors in Staged?
The series centres on David Tennant and Michael Sheen, both playing fictionalised versions of themselves. The supporting cast includes Anna Lundberg, Georgia Tennant, Lucy Eaton, Simon Evans, Nina Sosanya, Ben Schwartz, Whoopi Goldberg, and Ebony Aboagye, alongside memorable cameos from Jim Broadbent, Judi Dench, and Samuel L. Jackson.
Is Staged worth watching for non-theatre fans?
Absolutely. While theatre is the backdrop, Staged is really a sharp, warm comedy about ego, friendship, and the absurdity of lockdown life. The chemistry between Tennant and Sheen is irresistible, and the self-aware humour lands whether you know Pirandello or not. Critics and audiences both embraced it enthusiastically.
What is Staged about?
Staged follows David Tennant and Michael Sheen — playing themselves — as they attempt to rehearse a West End play over video call during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their director Simon Evans tries desperately to keep the production alive, while the two stars bicker, procrastinate, and charm their way through lockdown in typically chaotic fashion.
What shows are similar to Staged?
If Staged hit the spot, The Office and Fawlty Towers offer similarly sharp workplace comedy. For the meta, self-referential flavour, The Studio (2025) and Reboot (2022) are excellent picks. Colin from Accounts and Workin' Moms deliver the same blend of wit and warmth if you want something more contemporary.
More About Staged
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