Years before “Fleabag” became an international sensation and took home six statuettes at the 2019 Emmy Awards, the BBC/Amazon comedy series originated as a one-woman show. Written by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the stage version of “Fleabag” premiered at the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe. In 2016 Waller-Bridge adapted the script for TV, making millions of fans and collecting dozens of accolades in the process. The “Killing Eve” creator re-mounted the stage version of the project following its breakout success on the small screen in 2019, performing “Fleabag” live in London and New York City. If you weren’t able to catch the show in-person or in theaters via National Theatre Live, you’re in luck. “A 2019 performance of the critically acclaimed one-woman show, recorded at London’s Wyndham Theatre, will be available for a 48-hour download on April 10 on Amazon in the U.S. and U.K. for $5 (4 pounds),” The Hollywood Reporter confirms. “The performance will also be made available in the U.K. and Ireland on the Soho Theatre’s On Demand streaming site from April 6 for two weeks.”
The source details, “All proceeds, less tax and fees, will be distributed to U.K. charities including The National Emergencies Trust, NHS Charities Together and Acting For Others, as well as the newly launched Fleabag Support Fund, which will distribute grants of $3,067 (£2500) to freelancers working in the U.K. theatre industry affected by the coronavirus crisis. The organization in the U.S. that will benefit from the money raised will be announced soon.”
“I hope this filmed performance of ‘Fleabag’ can help raise money while providing a little theatrical entertainment in these isolated times,” said Waller-Bridge. “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. Thank you in advance to those who donate. Now go get into bed with ‘Fleabag!’ It’s for charity!”
THR adds, “Waller-Bridge, her production company DryWrite, the digital ticketing platform TodayTix and an anonymous donor have given the fundraising efforts an initial boost of $436,000 (£356,000), funds of which have already been distributed to the various causes.”
You can donate and find more information via GoFundMe.
Both the stage and screen version of “Fleabag” tell the story of a London-based guinea pig-themed cafe owner mourning the loss of her best friend and mother.
Next up for Waller-Bridge is “Run,” an HBO thriller about former lovers who reunite under mysterious circumstances to start life anew. Vicky Jones, who directed the stage version of “Fleabag,” created the series. Waller-Bridge exec produces and acts.
