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!
Kody Mortimer is due to appear in the cast of Hairspray at the London Coliseum, playing the role of Thad and appearing in the ensemble. Previously he was in the cast of Gypsy at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester in the ensemble and playing Yonkers.
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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Kody Mortimer is due to appear in the cast of Hairspray at the London Coliseum, playing the role of Thad and appearing in the ensemble. Previously he was in the cast of Gypsy at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester in the ensemble and playing Yonkers.
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 had just started my first day of rehearsals for Hairspray in the West End so it felt very bittersweet indeed. My initial reaction was confusion and disappointment, mainly because everyone in the cast gelled so quickly and we were having a great time.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I’ve been at home exercising every day which is much more than I normally ever would when I’m back at home. I do this by using Instagram Livestream workouts or workouts with my friend who is a Personal Trainer. I’ve started doing Yoga, following ‘YogawithAdriene’ on YouTube. I’ve been involved in quite a few group singing videos and I have also been doing an online diploma course studying Sports Massage Therapy, which is a really nice and interesting change to what I normally get up to.
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 have told myself to only look at the news a couple of times a week as it can easily make you feel down. I use social media as a way of talking with friends and relatives rather than a news feed, now more than ever. I have also felt a lot more care and love towards me from people in my circle which fills me with energy and a positive mentality.
With the Arts temporarily shut down, how would you advise people to continue to support the Arts industries?
Theatre allows audiences to get lost in a show and simply enjoying the story that’s being unfolded, forgetting their day to day lives for those 2 and a half hours. We will need theatre more than ever when we come out the other side of this. Theatre has been built by many generations before us and we can’t let this bad period we’re currently in destroy a vital part of our history and economy.
Have you discovered anything that you’d like to recommend to our viewers?
I would highly recommend watching ‘After Life’ and ‘Hollywood’ on Netflix if you want a laugh and cry. They are two brilliant pieces of work.
In these times of Social Distancing and isolation, how have you been trying to connect with Friends and Family? Any fun quizzes or games?!
I have been doing quizzes once or twice a week which are very fun to do. I also love playing on my PS4 with some of my friends. I’ve played far too much COD Warzone and Fortnite.
And finally, looking to the future, what are you most looking forward to when all of this is over?
I am understandably most looking forward to getting back to work and my job, but also I can’t wait to meet/catch up with my friends in a pub or a restaurant as well.
We'd like to thank Kody 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.
