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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Fabian Aloise is a choreographer who most recently worked on Evita at Regent's Park, Open Air Theatre. His other credits include The View UpStairs (Soho Theatre), The Rink (Southwark Playhouse), Madagascar The Musical (UK Tour); Our House (UK Tour); Working (Southwark Playhouse); On The Town (BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall); The 24 Hour Musical At The Old Vic; Bright Lights, Big City (UK premiere Hoxton Hall) and The Drowsy Chaperone (Upstairs At The Gatehouse Theatre). Fabian has worked alongside Peter Darling as Associate Choreographer on the UK National tour of Matilda, as Resident Choreographer on Matilda (West End) and Associate choreographer for Matilda (Australian Premiere Company).
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 way home from a meeting about a new project. I had been distancing myself for a couple of days already and I was actually surprised that it had taken as long as it had for theatres to close. With everything we were being told about infection rates, it made sense to me that those steps were taken. About three days later I started to have symptoms! It was also obviously a massive blow to then find out Evita at the Barbican was cancelled. Not so much for myself but for the incredible cast we had put together! Such amazing talent! Here’s hoping it happens soon.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
Apart from cutting my own hair and grooming my dog myself, I’ve been baking! Cheesecakes to be precise and I’m finding new recipes every week to try! This week is tiramisu flavoured! We’ll see how it turns out! I’ve also been keeping in touch with the Bring it On cast and organising some fun videos we’ve been using for the promotion of the show. They’re an amazing bunch of people! My fitness has gotten better and easier as I’ve recovered, so I do some exercising and long daily walks with my dog.
