A host of talent from both the stage and screen are performing in a new online series showcasing all of Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, David Suchet, Penelope Keith, Timothy West, Jamael Westman, Tobias Menzies, Aimee Lou Wood, Grace Saif, Penelope Wilton, and Julie Hesmondhalgh are among stars that will perform in the series, which is raising funds for the 70-seat Jermyn Street Theatre near Piccadilly Circus.

Alongside the stars, 55 sonnets will be performed by this year’s graduating drama students, denied their normal showcases.

The theatre’s artistic director Tom Littler said: “When you sit down with a group of strangers in a theatre – especially a tiny theatre like ours – you share something important. Laughing together, crying together, holding your breath together.

“It’s that shared community that’s helping Jermyn Street Theatre now. We always try to be the smallest theatre with the biggest heart. We’ve been so moved by the generosity of our audience – their financial support but also all the encouragement they’ve sent by email, letter and on social media.”

You can check out the first 45 sonnets, with more due to be released, at the Jermyn Street Theatre’s YouTube channel.