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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Abigail Dever was most recently seen in the international touring production of CATS. Her other credits include Dinah and Pearl in Starlight Express (Bochum, Germany); Tinkerbell in Peter Pan (Royal and Derngate, Northampton); featured singer for Celebrity Cruise Lines; Princess Amelia in Jack and the Beanstalk (Palace Theatre, Redditch); Beverly in Diva Fever (Edinburgh Fringe) and Bugsy Malone, Whistle Down the Wind and The Wizard of Oz (National Youth Music 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 at home with my parents cooking dinner with the news on in the background. I have been staying with them while I’ve been waiting to go back on tour with Cats the musical as Jennyanydots. Earlier that same day, I had found out that the Cats tour had been cancelled, so a sad day all round really. My heart just went out to everyone involved in all aspects of the theatre industry but also, I felt a great sense of unity.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I’ve actually been spending my time volunteering at a soup kitchen where I live in Leeds. In all the panic-buying nonsense, I couldn’t stop thinking about little old ladies with no toilet paper and it just made me so sad. So when I saw a call-out on Facebook for someone to help answer the phones at this restaurant turned soup kitchen I just knew I wanted to help. It's an amazing place doing amazing work, providing free meals for the elderly and vulnerable, and the NHS staff all over Leeds. Completely run by volunteers and donations. I help take the orders and provide a little bit of socialising entertainment for these people that can’t get out. Lovely Allen who is 90 and self-isolating, likes to read me the news!
