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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Ashley Luke Lloyd was most recently seen in Flashdance as Joe touring South Korea. His other credits include Ensemble in the original London cast of Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre); John in Jesus Christ Superstar (UK Tour); Ensemble in Legally Blonde (South Korea); Eddie in Mamma Mia (International Tour); Francis & Alvin in Loserville (Garrick Theatre); Michael in the original cast of Billy Elliot (Vicotria Palace) and Troy in Hollyoaks. His Choreographer credits include Burlesque'd Live (Turbine Theatre, Aeronaut, UK Tour); Closer To Heaven (Above the Stag); Oliver (Theatre Royal Windsor); Mad on Her (UK Tour, Above The Arts) and Guy the Musical (UK Tour).
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 last day of choreographing two shows for the incredible Talent Artistic Group. One show is called Sweet Nothing, which is a Calvin Harris Experience opening in Ibiza, and Forever Young, an 80s Jukebox Show. Both shows were on hold however I've just heard the casts have been told that the contracts resume and they will be flying out shortly to perform with socially distanced guidelines. Truly over the moon for them and the company - I felt very lucky because the company was incredibly supportive towards myself as creative and we all kept connected.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I just can't stay still. Ever. When I was in Dreamgirls, my favourite show ever and I can't believe I was in the original cast, whilst in the show at the Savoy with Amber Riley I wrote the book to an 80s show called Mad On Her - we put it on at the Studio Theatre at The Arts in Leicester Square every Sunday and it was amazing! So in Lockdown I've been producing a Reality Dating Show called Lovedown which connects people online via speed dating and house party's we've done two seasons including a special LGBTQ season and honestly the entire casts have stayed friends and some even have a little romance going on- I'm very proud of it, you can check us out on our social media platforms which is FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube - it's quite theatrical actually and you might see some familiar faces. I've also been teaching lots on Zoom which I absolutely love, the kids have been a saving grace to my fitness and they bring a smile to my face and the dedication to keep Training even at a young age is so inspiring.
