These recent times have been some of the hardest challenges we've faced and as a community, it hit us pretty hard. However during these difficult times, here at Pocket Size Theatre, we wanted to spread a little positivity and share some peoples experiences because we are all in this together. Each day we'll be speaking to our friends in the industry to share their experiences with you all so take a read and see how people are getting through these hard times.
Let's stick together, share the love and get through this as a community!
Adam Pearce is currently playing Hotep in The Prince of Egypt at the Dominion Theatre. His other credits include Augustin Magaldi in Evita (Regents Park); ‘Viktor’ original cast of Local Hero (Lyceum, Edinburgh); Max Von Mayerling in Sunset Boulevard (UK and European Tour); understudy Javert and Thenardier in Les Misérables (Queen's); Officer Barrel in Urinetown (Other Palace); Octavious Crabbe in The Light Princess (National Theatre); understudy Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd (Adelphi & Chichester); Squelch in Love Never Dies (Adelphi); Knights Of The Rose (Arts); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Adelphi); Alice in Wonderland (West Yorkshire Playhouse) and Evita (Adelphi).
Let's stick together, share the love and get through this as a community!
*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation. Please keep that in mind when reading*
Adam Pearce is currently playing Hotep in The Prince of Egypt at the Dominion Theatre. His other credits include Augustin Magaldi in Evita (Regents Park); ‘Viktor’ original cast of Local Hero (Lyceum, Edinburgh); Max Von Mayerling in Sunset Boulevard (UK and European Tour); understudy Javert and Thenardier in Les Misérables (Queen's); Officer Barrel in Urinetown (Other Palace); Octavious Crabbe in The Light Princess (National Theatre); understudy Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd (Adelphi & Chichester); Squelch in Love Never Dies (Adelphi); Knights Of The Rose (Arts); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Adelphi); Alice in Wonderland (West Yorkshire Playhouse) and Evita (Adelphi).
On Monday 16th March 2020, The Society of London Theatre announced the closure of all Theatres in London. This followed suit with regional venues. Where were you when you found out and what was your initial reaction?
I was on stage at the Dominion Theatre. We had just finished warm-up and our lovely Resident Director Lauren and Dance Captain Rachael were reading our the Show set up for the evening show. Then we started to see all departments (Wigs, wardrobe etc.) joining us on stage (never a good sign).
We knew deep down it was going to happen, but not as sudden. Maybe over the week or something, but not straight away. There was a feeling of emptiness, gutted and shock. Me and Silas went up to the dressing room to chat, trying to make sense of it. But I knew I just needed to get home with my wife Anita and Son Henry.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
Well, it has been a very productive few weeks. Just after we officially opened, I downloaded a game on my computer called Football Manager and I'm very pleased to say, that I'm doing pretty darn well at it! I started the season as Tottenham and guided them to 3 Premiership Titles and 2 Champions League titles. I left on a high, and went to relegation contenders Portsmouth, but helped them survive. Now, very pleased to say with a Euro Cup to their name, I finished 4th in the Premiership. Thrilled.
Whenever you log onto social media there is so much negativity circulating. How have you been trying to keep a positive mental attitude during these times?
When you have a 5yr old running around from 6 in the morning, you have no choice. No, he has been such a blessing. Me and him get up 1st thing in the morning, snuggle up on the sofa and have a chat. Henry and my wife Anita are my rocks. We go out for a walk a day, do school work, play lots of board games. In fact, my Nerf Gun battles and Target practices are getting better and better each day.
I've also just been checking in with mates, maybe who I haven't spoken to for a while. Just making sure all is good in the hood. It's so important to talk and stay connected.
With the Arts temporarily shut down, how would you advise people to continue to support the Arts industries?
Watch anything and everything! There are so many things to watch at the moment. Theatres are starting to embrace it which is incredible. The National Theatre releasing a new production a week, Eugenius, Wind in the Willows, and I believe Curve is starting to stream shows too. All they ask for is a donation, whatever you can afford.
Also with people doing concerts in their living room, Q and As in the garden and even free classes online. I know quite a few people like Jack Harrison-Cooper, Mikey Colbourne and Trav Kelly who are all doing free Insta Live workouts. All such talented performers really giving something back (I have no Excuse, I should be a size 6!)
Have you discovered anything that you’d like to recommend to our viewers?
Well, we have just got Disney+, which is amazing. But my son seems to be choosing the most random of things to watch. For instance, we had a Movie night last night, and he chose the 1978 classic 'The Cat From Outta Space'. It was bloody awful.
But I have plans to watch all of the Marvel films in order. We've also been watching old comedy box sets of Modern Family, Derry Girls and Inbetweeners. We have never watched the series 24, so that is on our list too. Anita and I are massive fans of Drag Race, so that's always a highlight every Sunday.
In these times of Social Distancing and isolation, how have you been trying to connect with Friends and Family? Any fun quizzes or games?!
Yes, we have been doing a family quiz every Saturday which has been great. But also old shows such as Evita at Regents Park and Local Hero at the Edinburgh Lyceum have been doing weekly quiz's which have been amazing. I'm trying to find my old Bingo set so I can sort out a couple of bingo nights.
We have even tried to play a game of Cluedo online, us having the game board and trying to show our nieces via Zoom the cards to guess the guilty person. It went on for quite a while!
And finally, looking to the future, what are you most looking forward to when all of this is over?
I'm a hugger, there I said it! I just can't wait to be around family and friends and give them a big hug. I've had a few close friends and family that have had COVID 19 including my 89-year-old Gran who has beaten it! What a fighter! I can't wait to see her and all of them and talk over a cup of tea.
We'd like to thank Adam and all the other performers who have given up their time to contribute to this feature.
Other useful links for anyone needing further help:
Acting For Others - Charity that provides financial & emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need.
Help Musicians - An independent Charity that helps all forms of Musicians through times of need.
Industry Minds - Mental Health Support for the creative arts.
Theatre Helpline - a free, independent and confidential phone and email service that provides support to people working in the theatre industry.
