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!
*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Aaron Jenkins was most recently in the international touring company of Matilda. His other credits include Admetus, Macavity and cover Rum Tum Tugger in Cats (Kilworth House); Cats (Universal Pictures); Neleus in Mary Poppins (Stuttgart, Germany) and Wicked (Apollo Vicotria 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 a 15-hour flight home from Manila. It was my first venue on the International Tour of Matilda and we only managed to do 9 shows after opening! We heard an announcement during the interval that the prime minister had put a ban on travel in the Philippines and chaos erupted. We were kept on stage at the end of the show and told that it was our last show in Manila and they were sending us home ASAP. It was weird because I kind of knew it was probably coming as we were in Asia where the virus started, but when I found out that they were closing the west end theatres at home too it made it all seem much more serious. They never close the theatres in London!
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I really, really wish I could say that I’ve been super productive and used the time wisely but I’d be lying. Some days I’ve accomplished more than others but unfortunately, I’ve not written a novel or come up with an amazing business idea that’s going to make me a millionaire. Sigh. I’ve been working out and done a couple of online dance classes but it’s definitely not been a daily occurrence. I honestly admire the people that have been doing 2 or 3 classes every single day, learnt a new skill or are just being generally proactive. I’ve just had a lot of tea and biscuits, really.
