David Tennant and Michael Sheen were due to put on a play in the West End before the production was put on hold because of the pandemic. The play’s director, Simon Evans, is worried that his big break is about to pass him by and tries to convince his doubtful actors to carry on rehearsals online.
With rehearsals due to begin, Simon goes missing. Michael and David embrace the opportunity to skive off, but Michael gets caught breaking the law.
An actor who was initially involved in the play, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, comes back to haunt the production. Georgia has sold her novel, and tells Anna that she’s due to be a birthing partner for her friend. Michael is being blackmailed by his neighbour.
Michael and David are finding it hard to regain each other’s trust. The show’s producer, Jo, steps in to try and repair the damage. Meanwhile Michael gets drawn deeper into the situation with his neighbour. David is nervous about Georgia leaving to go off and help her friend in labour.
Simon brings in an old friend to try and convince David and Michael to put their faith in him. David has managed to stay afloat in Georgia’s absence.
Jo drafts in the voice of experience to get Michael and David in line. Georgia has shared David's work without him knowing. Michael seeks resolution on what has happened to his neighbour. David is pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic response his work receives.
Whilst appearing on a chat show discussing a year in lockdown Michael and David are pained to discover someone they respect is not a fan of their work. David's plans to go to work and Michael's plans to visit a friend abroad are both scuppered by last minute travel rule changes. Some news regarding a work opportunity for the pair turns sour.
After discovering the plan, David and Michael are dismayed to learn who will be carrying on without them. They are also upset to find out how well Simon is doing without them.
David and Michael spot an opportunity to sabotage the show. David is deflated to discover how people feel about him, while Michael is overjoyed to discover how people feel about him. Anna and Georgia consider their options.
There is fallout from how David and Michael have behaved. They try to establish who has more value. Georgia, Anna and Lucy discuss a charity evening that they are due to perform at.
The boys are butting heads, not helped by having to read with various new potential cast members. They are increasingly annoyed at each new interaction while Simon tries to keep the ship steady and Georgia marshals her charity team.
The project is in danger. Simon tries to get David and Michael to work together, but it ultimately falls to a final pair of potential cast members to offer a new perspective.
David and Michael discover that the studio has now cast two actors. When they discover who has been cast both men are upset as they each have a history with the actor taking their place, one known and one unknown.
Accepting their fate David and Michael prepare to finally leave their homes. David is finally due to go back to work, Michael thinks he finally has a route to New York. The girls perform their charity sketch.
In a bespoke sketch from the cast of the hit series Staged, David Tennant and Michael Sheen give us a hysterical historical take on their lockdown series, with a guest appearance from Sir Lenny Henry.
David and Michael have a video call with Simon.
Michael and David don’t want to talk to Simon, but he doesn't give up.
The gang prepares to announce their new endeavour. Surely nothing can stand in their way?
Sifting through the rubble of what might have been, they try to pin-point what went wrong.
With the project paused, David and Michael decide to try and break the standstill.
With the gang reinvigorated, a plan is suggested which could turn failure into glory.
The final send-off is upset by betrayal almost at once. But is there still a way through?
The Staged Special features not only mistakes and outtakes but it also shows how the show itself was found. From experiments in how to film the show to playing with the idea of who and what the characters would be, it's a unique look back at a unique show produced at the most unique of times.
