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!
Ethan Le Phong was most recently seen playing Lun Tha in the UK tour of The King and I. His other credits include Ensemble/Cover Aladdin in Aladdin (Prince Edward, Broadway); Thuy in Miss Saigon (Prince Edward); Lun Tha in The King & I (Royal Albert Hall/UK Tour/Palladium); Abner in South Pacific (National Theatre/original cast recording); Original cast of We Will Rock You (Dominion/original cast recording); Original cast of Thoroughly Modern Millie (Shaftsbury); Elvis Chang in Jerry Springer the Opera (Cambridge); Montparnasse in Les Misérables (Hollywood Bowl); Rent (Hollywood Bowl); Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (La Mirada Playhouse) and Pepper in Mamma Mia (US National Tour).
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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Ethan Le Phong was most recently seen playing Lun Tha in the UK tour of The King and I. His other credits include Ensemble/Cover Aladdin in Aladdin (Prince Edward, Broadway); Thuy in Miss Saigon (Prince Edward); Lun Tha in The King & I (Royal Albert Hall/UK Tour/Palladium); Abner in South Pacific (National Theatre/original cast recording); Original cast of We Will Rock You (Dominion/original cast recording); Original cast of Thoroughly Modern Millie (Shaftsbury); Elvis Chang in Jerry Springer the Opera (Cambridge); Montparnasse in Les Misérables (Hollywood Bowl); Rent (Hollywood Bowl); Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (La Mirada Playhouse) and Pepper in Mamma Mia (US National 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?
It was a strange day indeed. Prior to Monday's announcement, I went on Instagram on Saturday night to share my thoughts and how I felt like this could be our final performance. I slept in but was awaken by our company WhatsApp group chat as it went nuts. Because it was our day off, we didn't hear from our producers until Tuesday so were all hoping that our show would be saved just for a few more days. No such luck, we got the email. Most of the company were advised to head home in the UK and I, along with the other foreign actors, stayed in Liverpool until we were able to make travel arrangements to head back to our respected countries. Recalling my thoughts, I really was numb to the news. There was no anger to the decision, it is what it is.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
Paulina Yeung, who was our Tuptim on tour, and I have been creating quarantine duets. We have made two already and are working on more along with solo projects. Discovering how to use iMovie has been a challenge and joy. I have few scheduled q&a sessions with school programs via zoom. People have asked to do a live stream concert but to be honest, I'm a bit shy but when all of this is said and done, I really can't wait to be back on stage. Until then, check out our duets on youtube and Instagram. I'm always up for suggestions.
