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!
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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Sarah Naudi most recently appeared in Evita at the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park. Her other credits include Carla & Vanessa in In the Heights (King’s Cross Theatre/Southwark Playhouse); Spring Awakening (St James Cavalier Theatre, Malta) and Warheads (Bernie Grant Arts Centre). Sarah is also a screenwriter and producer.
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?
I was at one of my best friend’s houses, Courtney-Mae Briggs and she had just done her press night for Back to the Future up in Manchester the week before.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I’ve been using the time to fix my script. I’m writing my first feature film and I have so many notes on it to fix. You’d think with all this free time it’s helpful but I’m actually finding myself very distracted and far away from the state I was in when I originally started writing it. I’ve discovered MASTERCLASS online which I highly recommend as there are so many topics on there you can learn. I’m currently doing the screenwriting one.
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?
I think the social media I’ve been seeing on Twitter and Instagram is just loads of theatre and film performers using their time well and doing online classes which I highly recommend. Also a couple of comedy stunts too which always brightens up my day.
With the Arts temporarily shut down, how would you advise people to continue to support the Arts industries?
I think every time you watch a tv/ film/ play/ music anything online bear in mind that those artists spend years perfecting their craft so once everything is up and running again please continue to support the arts.
Have you discovered anything that you’d like to recommend to our viewers?
A couple of amazing films I’ve seen in this period are: Wild Rose, Ben Is Back, Waves, Honeyboy and mid-90s.
In these times of Social Distancing and isolation, how have you been trying to connect with Friends and Family? Any fun quizzes or games?!
Quizzes on zoom are always fun. Started playing quite a lot of scrabble with my boyfriend too! Trying to upgrade my vocabulary!
And finally, looking to the future, what are you most looking forward to when all of this is over?
Firstly I cant wait to go see my family in Malta but also I’m really looking forward to hopefully a massive summer COVID free party with some Pimms and good vibes! Let’s keep positive and stick together (at a 2m distance, of course).
We'd like to thank Sarah 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.
