Stephen Fry among stars in upcoming Watford theatre show

The digital show named Going the Distance is a new comedy by Henry Filloux-Bennett and Yasmeen Khan and will be available on demand between October 4 and 17.

It revolves around a little theatre facing a huge challenge and will also star Matthew Kelly and Sarah Hadland.

Stephen Fry said: “My involvement with three brilliantly imaginative, innovative and original lockdown dramas from the Lawrence Batley Theatre was one of the features that made the months of sourdough, banana bread and general weirdness bearable.

Stephen Fry. Photo credit: Claire Newman Williams

“Henry Filloux-Bennett and his team managed to find the heart of what theatre and dramatic performance are even in the heart of a tumultuously difficult and uncertain time.

“It helped so many of us keep the faith in theatre and what it can be.”

Going the Distance is a co-production from the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Oxford Playhouse, The Dukes and The Watermill Theatre.

Yasmeen Khan said: “Going the Distance has been a joyous project on every level, the digital format allowed us to create a hugely ambitious show that responds to all of the challenges presented by Covid over the last 18 months.

“The story itself celebrates theatre and showcases the power of community in the face of adversity, and the cast and crew could not have done more to make it all come together.”

Sarah Hadland. Photo credit: Claire Newman Williams

Felicity Montagu added: “To be directing for the first time is one thing but to be directing a cast of such exciting stature is another.

“The magic they created had me laughing and crying in equal measures. I think they will cast a spell on whoever watches Going The Distance.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Watford Palace Theatre.

Bookers will receive a screening link which will allow access for their booked performance date for a 48-hour period.

Tickets cost £15 which will include both a link to the production as well as a digital programme.