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!
Geneviève Nicole most recently was seen playing Inez in Zorro at The Hope Mill Theatre Manchester. Her other credits include Baroness Hardup in Cinderella (The Mercury Theatre Colchester); Performed a One Woman Show 'My Gift to You' (The Crazy Coqs, The Other Palace); Female Authority Figure & 1st cover Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray (UK Tour); The Leading Player in Pippin (Southwark Playhouse, Hope Mill Theatre); Velma in Chicago (Singapore, UK tour, Allure of the Seas); The Golden Age of Dance (The Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Ensemble, understudy General Cartwright & Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (The Savoy and Phoenix Theatre); Ensemble in The Producers (UK Tour); Ensemble & understudy Muriel and Jolene in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (The Savoy Theatre); Doris in the original cast of Miracle on 34th Street (UK tour); Understudy Sheila, Cassie, Judy and Val A Chorus Line (London Palladium); White Christmas (UK tour) and Monty Python’s Spamalot (Palace Theatre).
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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Geneviève Nicole most recently was seen playing Inez in Zorro at The Hope Mill Theatre Manchester. Her other credits include Baroness Hardup in Cinderella (The Mercury Theatre Colchester); Performed a One Woman Show 'My Gift to You' (The Crazy Coqs, The Other Palace); Female Authority Figure & 1st cover Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray (UK Tour); The Leading Player in Pippin (Southwark Playhouse, Hope Mill Theatre); Velma in Chicago (Singapore, UK tour, Allure of the Seas); The Golden Age of Dance (The Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Ensemble, understudy General Cartwright & Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (The Savoy and Phoenix Theatre); Ensemble in The Producers (UK Tour); Ensemble & understudy Muriel and Jolene in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (The Savoy Theatre); Doris in the original cast of Miracle on 34th Street (UK tour); Understudy Sheila, Cassie, Judy and Val A Chorus Line (London Palladium); White Christmas (UK tour) and Monty Python’s Spamalot (Palace Theatre).
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 actually on my day off from Zorro at the Hope Mill Theatre, we had just performed two previews on the Saturday and Sunday and should have had our third on the Tuesday. We found out the next day that we were closing and if I’m honest I felt numb at the time. When I left Manchester and got home, that’s when it hit me. To not be able to perform that show anymore when we had only just begun was heartbreaking, it still is. I had and still do have a heavy heart for our industry but the main priority was and is for everyone and their families and friends to stay safe and healthy.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
Darlings, some days I am aggressively smashing the productivity game but then others it’s a struggle. I have been cleaning my flat ALOT, exercising every day, learning Spanish (finally), living that admin life and also resting and spending time with my husband and dog because in the real world that hasn’t happened in a long time.
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?
If I’m honest I haven’t seen too much negativity , I’ve been seeing lots of TikToks, silly videos, memes and gigs. I try to stay away from all that but if you are seeing negativity within Social media scroll on. You are in charge of what you see, turn it off or look elsewhere.
Have you discovered anything that you’d like to recommend to our viewers?
I’ve been viewing Leave a Light On concerts, supporting the Overtures Piano Bar page viewing Overtures Indoors, supporting friends fitness classes, watching an aggressive amount of Disney+, reading that book I never finished and catching up on all my series. I’ve recently just finished How to Get Away with Murder, I’m aggressively late to the table but it’s incredible.
In these times of Social Distancing and isolation, how have you been trying to connect with Friends and Family? Any fun quizzes or games?!
Honestly I’ve seen more friends now then I have in a long time. It’s so easy to get in the habit of sleep, rise, work, home, sleep repeat and now that’s been taken away time is our oyster and I am loving catching up and gaming with my mates! Quizzes have been a massive part of this lockdown, I’m learning a lot and I’ve also learnt how much I don’t know! We’re so lucky to have technology so I’ve been catching up with friends and family via a screen and it’s a delight to see their faces!
And finally, looking to the future, what are you most looking forward to when all of this is over?
A good old restaurant! I’m looking forward to being able to socialise, getting back to work, performing, living my best life on centre and just living. I need to live more, we have only one life and I tell you if there’s one thing I’ve learnt throughout this whole pandemic is LIVING is what’s important.
Stay safe, stay healthy and stay inside. If you’re low and down call your friends and family, you are not alone, we are all going through this and we need to take care of each other.
We'd like to thank Geneviève and all 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.
