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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Harrison Clark most recently was the assistant choreographer and dance captain on The Wizard of Oz at the Leeds Playhouse. His other credits include assistant choreographer on Once on this Island (Southwark Playhouse); ensemble and understudy Paul in Kiss Me Kate (Opera North); IQ in Hairspray (UK Tour); Nikos in Legally Blonde (Leicester Curve); Dance Captain and understudy Mark and Angel in RENT (UK Tour & St James Theatre); Fender in Hairspray (UK Tour); Chistery and Understudy Boq in Wicked (UK Tour); Ensemble in We Will Rock You (European Tour) and Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar (Shaw 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 home in South London and of course, my initial reaction was to feel so gutted for all my mates who were in shows at the time. Then realising that the job I was about to go on to, “Meet me in St Louis” at Grange Park Opera, would also be affected which, unfortunately, ended up getting cancelled entirely.
The selfish part of me felt gutted I wouldn’t get to perform the show which was shaping up to be a beautiful production with an epic team. But the rest of me just felt a huge sense of inclusivity in the community we all love and the endless support from everyone going through this together.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
Well, I learnt to knit on my last job which ended in January (I had about an hour off in act 1, bliss!) so I’ve somehow managed to finish a patchwork throw. Every single room in my house is now a different colour - so I guess that’s something!
It’s been nice getting involved in various recordings/videos - to celebrate shows that have/would have been (I did one with my ex Rent cast and what would have been current Meet Me in St Louis cast) The need/love for theatre is pretty awesome and to see so many mates involved in similar projects makes me feel proud of them all over again.
