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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Ellie Ann Lowe is currently in the London cast of Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre. Her other credits include Gloria in Return to the Forbidden Planet (Upstairs at the Gatehouse); Amalia in Carmen (The Union); Adriana in Comedy of Errors (Antic Disposition at Gray’s Inn Hall/South of France Tour); Pauline Clench in One Man, Two Guvnors and Anna Truman in Deadly Nightcap (Theatre Royal Windsor); ensemble in Miracle on 34th Street (Madinat Theatre, Dubai); Dusty Springfield in Dusty(Charing Cross); Connie/cover Annette/swing in Saturday Night Fever (UK tour) and ensemble in Love Story(Union 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 had just arrived to the Sondheim Stage Door and was told to go home! I knew my dressing room ladies were in the building so I nipped in to see them and we all had a cuddle and a natter. We then went down to the see the lads in dressing room 1 and most of the cast were already there. It was nice to see everyone before heading home. We even have a video from that very moment where one of the cast members can be heard saying, “do we think it’s just going to be a week?” - if only!
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
A couple of Les Mis cast members have been fantastic with hosting a yoga and a work out session each week for us which has kept us connected as a cast as well as keeping fit! I’ve found I’ve had more time to experiment with my baking, more time to read and to go on lovely walks in the Hertfordshire countryside with my dog! Two months into lockdown I’m starting to really miss singing now and am going to delve into my rep again - expect a cheeky vid!
