The Corona Diaries: Alex Okoampa

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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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* 

Alex Okoampa is currently in the London cast of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at the Aldwych Theatre. His other credits include Motown The Musical (UK & Ireland Tour), Babes in Arms (Ye Olde Rose and Crown). 

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 in my dressing room preparing for Tina Cast 3.0’s first ever dress run in costume and wigs. The wig team had popped in to tell us to come upstairs to get our wigs done, our dressers came to deliver our under garments and costumes, everything was literally in place for us to get ready and perform our first proper run before opening the show the next evening. That’s when we heard the stage manager through the tannoy asking us to come to stage. 

My heart sank, I knew exactly what was happening, so I packed my bag before I went down to stage. We were anxious for about 2 weeks straight, following the updates on the virus during rehearsals at every chance we had. 

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?  

Before Musical Theatre I made music. My music has been played on BBC Radio stations both up North and on Radio 1XTRA. However I wanted to fully immerse myself in the theatre world and make a name for myself, so I sort of put it on the back burner for a couple years. Since lockdown began I just found myself rediscovering the love I have for music all over again. Relearning, listening to various types of genres and albums. Music is so universal. So diverse. It tells so many stories, it has light and shade. Happiness and sadness. By doing that I rediscovered what sort of music I want to make again.

The Corona Diaries: Jessica Paul

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*

Jessica Paul's Theatre credits include Ensemble and 1st Cover Betty in Sunset Boulevard (UK Tour); Vivienne in Legally Blonde (Leicester Curve); Kate Murphy in Titanic the Musical (Charing Cross Theatre) and Sandy in Grease (Leicester Curve).  

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 heartbroken when theatres were forced to close around the UK due to Covid-19 but I've always been confident we can thrive again. The Creative industry is booming and people will not forget how live theatre and entertainment makes them feel. There is an unequivocal energy there that cannot be replaced.

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing? 

My time in lockdown has been incredibly productive - and busy - as unconventional as that may sound! I run a business in Mindset Coaching for creatively driven people - including actors, freelancers and creative entrepreneurs - helping them manifest their goals and achieve a life of notability and abundance. This has been thriving during lockdown. Your mindset is paramount, especially in times of unease. My clients have needed myself and my service more than ever and it has been a joy to find myself helping so many through this. Not to mention achieving personal goals in this time too, despite financial hardships across the country, and earning nearly 5k last month. I place a lot of importance on money mindset for creatives and I'm here to show you how to achieve income like this - even through times of hardship.

The Corona Diaries: Justin-Lee Jones

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* 

Justin-Lee Jones was most recently seen in the UK touring production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. His other credits include understudy Ozzie in On the Town (Japan); understudy Tony in West Side Story (Royal Exchange); understudy Wally Strand in the original London cast of Strictly Ballroom (Piccadilly Theatre); Swing and understudy Mr Z in the original London cast of American in Paris (Dominion Theatre); understudy Mary Sunshine in Chicago (UK Tour); Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (UK Tour); understudying the title role in Tarzan (Hamburg & Stuttgart) and Beauty and the Beast (Kuala Lumpur). 

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 in Woking - it was the 15-minute call and they told us to go down to stage for a talk with the producers. My housemate was in Mary Poppins and he had already text me at his warm-up that they were stopping, so I had an idea what the call to the stage was about. After they said we were stopping until further notice I wasn’t sad I was more in shock that it had actually happened - that week was supposed to be my schedule shows for my understudy performance as Felica. I had a lot of family and friends coming on the Wednesday to see me play the part so I was gutted it had all happened that week. I realised the situation but it was the last thing on my mind - I just wanted the show to come back so we could finish our 10 weeks left of the run. I felt robbed of the feeling when you perform your last show. 

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing? 

I have been doing ballet class a lot - the Dutch National Opera have some fab professional level classes for free on their youtube page. I do workouts like Barry’s boot camp and a couple of my own but I prefer to follow a class. I’ve been teaching - a lot of people have reached out to ask for classes at their colleges and schools which has kept me busy. I’m also a professional wig maker for Film, Theatre and TV. So I have had a few wigs to make for some film work that needed to be completed before everything stopped. Until the film work picks back up I’m making private commissions that have come through my wigs Instagram @hand.made.wigs - it’s a time-consuming job but therapeutic, so it’s been keeping me feeling calm and with purpose. I’ve done a couple of live streams for dance and wigs and have taken part in a lot of friends live streams to support their work!

The Corona Diaries: Bree Smith

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* 

Bree Smith was most recently seen in Evita at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Her other credits include Dick Whittington (Theatre Royal, Stratford East); Rosalia and cover Anita in West Side Stroy (Royal Exchange Manchester); Ensemble in The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre); Henrietta in Scrooge the Musical (Leicester Curve); ensemble and cover Queen of Hearts in Wonderland (UK Tour) and ensemble in Eugenius (London Palladium).

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 just about to watch my friends in “City of Angels”, I arrived at 7pm only to find out that the West End had been shut.

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing? 

I have been doing a lot of online dance classes and workshops with various dance schools and companies. I have also taken part in a few online concerts to raise money for different causes such as the Black Lives Matter movement as well as some other personal concerts just for fun and entertainment.

The Corona Diaries: Jemal Felix

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* 

Jemal Felix was recently seen on the touring production of The Book of Mormon. His other credits include Angel and understudy Lola in Kinky Boots (Adelphi); Seaweed in Hairspray (York Opera House); Hairspray (Asia/Ireland); Mark in A Dream Across The Ocean (Hackney Empire & Ashcroft Theatre); vocalist in Church Of Now 23 (Edinburgh Fringe Festival & Wilton’s Music Hall); Cinderella (Hackney Empire) and Winston in Whistle Down The Wind (Aldwych Theatre/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 in Birmingham with The Book of Mormon UK Tour. It was crazy actually because I’d travelled down to London early that morning for an audition, I got back to Birmingham around 4pm and headed to the theatre (via Nando’s of course) got into the dressing room and then waited for the daily briefing to come on. So I watched it, we were called to warm up and then basically told that the show would not be going ahead that night and that the rest of the run in Birmingham was cancelled. To be honest, I think we were all just waiting for it to happen so it wasn’t much of a surprise. I got back to my digs and then laughed for about 10 minutes with one of the guys in the cast because the situation was so crazy. I packed up my two suitcases and headed back to London at 7pm that evening. I think I figured out I’d travelled about 360 miles that day. You can’t make it up really. 

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?  

Anyone that knows me knows that I’m obsessed with organising and cleaning. So I literally top to bottom reorganised and cleaned my flat. Got the dynamo labelling machine out and lived my best life. I did a purge of old clothes and other bits and pieces that you accumulate on tour so I don’t have much left. Other than that I’ve been using the time to relax and enjoy being at home. Like everyone else I’ve been going all zoom quizzes - I actually created my own family one on PowerPoint. It was like a blast back to the past of being in school and using all the slide transitions. Every Saturday my friend would do a Facebook live with her duo “Little and Often” and that’s become my 9pm treat every week where I pop open the Prosecco!

The Corona Diaries: Rebecca Lock

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* 

Rebecca Lock was most recently seen playing Carmen in Curtains on tour and at the Wyndham's Theatre in the West End. Her other credits include Lilli Vanessi/Kate in Kiss Me, Kate & Widow Corney in Oliver! (Sheffield Crucible); Ms Fleming in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket); Cheryl Gillan MP in Committee (Donmar); Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins (UK Tour); Rosie in Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre); Gabrielle in Dear World (Charing Cross Theatre); Svetlana in Chess (Toronto); Carlotta in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre); Kate Moster/Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q (Noel Coward Theatre); Mary Poppins Alternate in Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre); Jellylorum in Cats (New London Theatre) and Oh What a Lovely War (National 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? 

When the decision to close London theatres was announced I was getting ready in my dressing room for our opening night performance of ‘Curtains’ at the Leicester Haymarket Theatre. It was a very odd moment for us all, waiting to be told whether this decision affected us being away on tour. We were told to go on that night and we all knew that this was to be our final show together and whilst it probably wasn’t the greatest idea to go ahead, it gave us an opportunity as a cast to say goodbye to our beloved show and to each other. 

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing? 

When we first entered into lockdown I felt a tremendous amount of pressure to do something marvellous; put on a concert in my lounge or give classes, take classes, lose weight, get fit, learn an instrument, a language but for me I’ve had to tell myself “day by day”, just get through today. If you feel the need to sit in your PJs and watch telly all day then go for it, if you want to take three HIT classes and take up knitting then all power to you. I’ve found that giving myself 24hrs to get through at a time has really helped my mind. Looking too far ahead at the “whens” and “hows” can be overwhelming. Do what’s best for you. I’ve always baked, so that has helped me and I have an allotment which I have been visiting every day, something I never get a chance to do. Growing my own veg and keeping it weed-free has given me a real sense of purpose and getting back to nature does wonders for your soul.

The Corona Diaries: Christopher Howell

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* 

Christopher Howell is due to appear in Hairspray at the London Coliseum. His other credits include Goldilocks and the Three Bears & Cinderella (London Palladium); Bert Barry in 42nd Street, Anything Goes & Sir Reginald Tarrington in My Fair Lady (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane); Arthur in Made In Dagenham (Adelphi Theatre); Percival Murray in Stephen Ward (Aldwych Theatre); Dr Dillamond & The Wizard in Wicked (Apollo Victoria); Farmer Sutcliffe/Arthur Cunliffe in Betty Blue Eyes (Novello); Rex de Havilland in Too Close to the Sun (Comedy); Raymond Neff in The Witches of Eastwick (Prince of Wales); Sir in Side Show (Southwark Playhouse); the title character in Sweeney Todd (Union Theatre); Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls (Marigny Theatre Paris); Sheriff Earl in Love Me Tender (Tour); Gus/Bustopher Jones in Cats (Tour); Amos Hart in Chicago (Tour); Marksman/1st cover Firmin in The Phantom of the Opera (Tour) and Priest/Herold in Jesus Christ Superstar (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 had literally just finished my first day of rehearsals for the London revival of Hairspray when we all got that fateful news. We had a meet and greet (always horrific and you only have to same your name) and started re-learning the finale as I'd done the show before. I was aware that things were getting serious as I had relatives in a care home that had shut its doors the week before. 

I had just been doing another production of Hairspray at HMP Bronzefield for Pimlico Opera and it was very clear that this virus was becoming a serious threat, particularly in a Prison. With the potential of the lockdown in mind, my partner and I went to see the excellent ‘The Wicker Husband’ the weekend before at The Watermill in Newbury choreographed by Steven Harris (my brother in law) and directed by Charlotte Westenra, who had created a beautiful piece of theatre which also included my pal Zoe Rainey, who incidentally I met on Hairspray years ago - I hope that show gets a chance at another life someday.

The Corona Diaries: Landi Oshinowo

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* 

Landi Oshinowo is currently playing Mrs Phelps in the London production of Matilda the Musical. Her other credits include arene in The Color Purple (Leicester Curve/Birmingham Hippodrome); Nell in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Mercury Colchester/Southwark Playhouse); Widow Zuma in A Little Princess (Royal Festival Hall); The Witch/Jenny Hill in Big Fish (The Other Palace); Hattie in Kiss Me Kate (Welsh National Opera); Joyce Heath in Barnum (UK tour); Miss Sherman in Fame (UK tour); Ensemble/understudy Sargent in The Light Princess (National Theatre); Poopsie in The Pajama Game (Chichester Festival Theatre); Dragon/Ugly Duckling in Shrek The Musical (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); understudy Deloris in Sister Act (London Palladium); Martha R/Gladys K in Dancing in the Streets (UK tour); Etta James in Sweet Soul Music (UK tour) and Acid Queen in Tommy (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? 

Our day off at Matilda falls on a Monday, so I was at home when the news came that all theatres were to close. I was in shock even though we all knew there was a strong possibility of it happening. I don’t think any of us thought it would be quite so soon. I felt as if all the show energy was knocked out of me. 

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing? 

The most creative things I’ve done are recording songs with fellow performers for social media and writing material for my own projects. On Saturdays I volunteer at the breakfast club at my church, New Wine Church, were packs of food are handed out to the homeless and disadvantaged. We also prepare and deliver about 100 lunch packs to healthcare workers at our local hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich. 

The Corona Diaries: Christopher Parkinson

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* 

Christopher Parkinson is currently in the London cast of & Juliet at the Shaftsbury Theatre. His other credits include Swing in Kinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre); Ensemble/cover Brad, Eddie, Dr Scott and Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show (International tour); Kieran in Somebody’s Son (UK Tour); Young Stormy in Moonshadow workshop, Paul in Barney’s Colourful World (UK tour), Billy in Billy Elliot the Musical workshop (Old Vic) and Jeremy Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium).

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?

The day theatres went into lockdown was a pretty rubbish day for me. I’d just got back from spending a week in America and the Caribbean visiting my friend who was doing Hairspray on Royal Caribbean. It was my first day back since my holiday and at around 1pm I found out I was going on for my principle cover for the first time. I’d waited a year to get out there and play the part so I was so ready! I rang my family and they booked the tickets and took three trains from Manchester to make the show, my agent bought a ticket and so did my partner. I headed into work early to go over the show, just to make sure I was as prepared as I could be. We went down for warm-up at 18:00, just after physical warm-up we were told the show would be closing with immediate effect. Naturally I was devastated I rang my family who’d just arrived into London and went and met them at the train station we spent the next hour in a Starbucks just reflecting on the events. I came to the realisation that everything happens for a reason and hopefully next time I get the chance to go on it will be even more special than It would of been that night! Who knows when it will be? I’ve waited a year so a few more months can’t hurt!

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing? 

Since lockdown I’ve really gotten into my fitness! I’m the biggest fan of sitting on the couch all day in front of the television eating chocolate! I had a eureka moment about 2 weeks into lockdown. I feel like now is the perfect time to get in shape. Some might disagree but eating well is easy to do when you can’t go out for dinner and you’ve got spare time on your hands! I know what I’m eating because I’m cooking it from fresh and working out fills part of my day so it’s keeping me active. Usually I would rely on the show to replace my daily exercise routine but without it, I've had time to focus on what I want to gain with regards to my physique and my lifestyle. I got myself an online PT and so far I’m 7lb down!

The Corona Diaries: Livvy Evans

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* 

Livvy Evans is currently in the London production of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at the Aldwych Theatre. Her other credits include Swing/cover Tina/Michelle in Sister Act (UK and Ireland tour), Swing/cover Sisters in Ghost The Musical(UK tour), Swing/cover sisters in Ghost The Musical (Asian Tour), Crystal Gordon in Bad Girls (Union Theatre), Swing/Assistant Dance Captain in Motown The Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre) and Velcro in Soho Cinders (Charing Cross 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 in tech for Tina! We were just about to do our first dress/tech ready to open the next day. I was actually in a wig cap about to go and get my wig on for the first time when we were called for a meeting. We had started to hear about all the other theatres closing throughout the evening, so although I felt it was coming, it was still a bit surreal. There was a lot of confusion and speculation because we weren’t due to have an audience that night, so we weren’t sure about was going to happen, however, it was decided that going home was the safest option. 

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?

I haven’t actually learnt anything specific during the lockdown, I had a go at baking (like the whole of the UK did) but I discovered that I don’t find it particularly enjoyable, so that lasted about two days. I’m a real workaholic though and It’s very rare for me to have proper time off. So I guess you could say that I’ve learnt the skill of actually relaxing and taking some real downtime. I’ve been keeping on top of my fitness by doing circuits in the garden, walking/running and being outside as much as possible. I haven’t really done many online classes, mainly because I find it a bit claustrophobic doing them in my living room. 

The Corona Diaries: Joseph Davenport

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* 

Joseph Davenport is currently in the London company of The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre. His other credits include Memphis (Shaftesbury Theatre); Matilda (Cambridge Theatre); Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales Theatre); All-Male Pirates of Penzance and Iolanthe (Wilton’s Music Hall & Rose Theatre, Kingston); Aladdin (Courtyard Theatre, Hereford); Harry in After The Tone (Bridewell Theatre); Crazy For You (London Palladium); West Side Story (Albany Theatre) and A Chorus Line (Battersea Arts Centre).

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 really weird for me because I was actually on holiday a few days prior to this happening. I had booked some time off for laser eye surgery (which I cannot recommend enough by the way!) so I wasn’t in work on the Monday when they got the announcement that shows in town were closing. I was texting my dressing room boys and shortly after what would have been our warmup, one of them just messaged saying ‘We aren’t going up tonight.’ 

At first, it was a ‘schools out’ kind of feeling but then as the night went on at home, as I sat there listening to the radio with my protective goggles on (it was such a look) - the realisation that this may be long term started to set in. However, I think not being with my cast at the Prince of Wales didn’t really seem as real as it probably did for them.

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing? 

To be really honest, there have been a lot of plans to learn new things. Not an awful lot has been actually happening just yet, but I’m not on a time schedule. I think you can be your biggest enemy in that sense, if you need to have a day or two of just sitting and doing absolutely nothing that’s absolutely fine. However, I have bought a ukulele which I plan to start learning, I’ve been busying myself with DIY projects at home, doing the little jobs you never get round to doing, cleaning (A LOT - I blame Mrs Hinch) and I have enrolled in a sign language course online, as I thought this would be a nice new skill to add to the spotlight page!

The Corona Diaries: Ailsa Davidson

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* 

Ailsa Davidson's credits include Lipsync (Cumberland Theatre/Summerhall); Judith in Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens (Union Theatre); Miss Lynch and Cover Rizzo & Jan (UK Tour); Americana (Theatre Royal Stratford East) and Sarah in Our House (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 think I was actually working at the Union. That made a huge impact because I just knew how difficult closure was going to be for everyone but especially our fringe venues. I could almost see worst-case scenario first, you know? 

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?

I’ve been continuing my Acting for Screen class remotely (ActingUp with Vicky Alcock in case anyone is interested) which has vastly improved my self-tape technique and kept me creative with weekly projects. I’ve also been listening to the spotlight webinars (highly recommend, especially if you’re in a bit of a rut) and managed to bag a 1-2-1 (felt like trying to get Glastonbury tickets when I was booking). Just keeping myself in the loop and proactive as possible really. It’s difficult when we don’t know what is next for the industry but I’m just working on the things I can control. But I’ve also just been allowing myself time to just be. Trying to be kinder and less critical of myself. I think through the act of just sitting with your thoughts and exploring them, you are giving yourself fuel as an actor. We don’t get enough time for this usually. 

The Corona Diaries: Sian Nathaniel-James

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* 

Sian Nathaniel-James was most recently seen in Motown the Musical at the Shaftsbury Theatre and on the UK tour. Her other credits include Swing, Ensemble and cover Michelle in Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre); ensemble in Loservile (Union Theatre); Michelle Morris in Dreamgirls (Stage Entertainment Charity Gala) and ensemble in The Lion King (Hamburg, Germany). 

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 at home when I heard the news. My friend texted me their show was cancelled and had to go home. I cannot imagine the internal panic this must of caused. My heart goes out to all my fellow artists during this time.

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?

I’ve taken this time to get deeper into my meditation practice as it helps my inner peace. I’ve been keeping up my skills as a beautician and offering treatments to my family ( which they can’t get enough of!) I’ve also taught a few workshops which have been really fun!

The Corona Diaries: Joshua Liburd

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* 

Joshua Libard's credits include C.C White in Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre); Motown (Shaftsbury Theatre); the title role in Doctor Faustus (UK Tour & Arcola Theatre); The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre) and The Scottsboro Boys (The Young Vic).

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 at the box office to buy tickets that night for ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, and I remember being shocked but seeing as Broadway closed a week prior I wasn’t too surprised but hoped it would be for a few weeks.

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?

I’ve had some things that I really wanted to achieve and master during this time but I was unsure how successful I’d be as like all of us I didn’t know how long this period would last. I’ve been doing workouts with my friends on FaceTime daily, Meditating, baking a few cakes and learning french too. However, it has been hard to stay motivated to keep all of this up throughout this time.

The Corona Diaries: Samara Casteallo

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*

Samara Casteallo is currently appearing in the London production of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at the Aldwych Theatre. Her other credits include Ensemble and cover Mummy Bear in Goldilocks & the Three Bears(The London Palladium); Covering Mrs Wormwood & Mrs Phelps in Matilda The Musical  (UK tour); the original Cast of Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre), Cover Pearl in Starlight Express (Bochum, Germany); Little Inez in Hairspray (Leicester Curve) and Mother Goose (Hackney Empire). 

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?

We were about to do our dress run at ‘Tina Turner the Musical’ at the Aldwych theatre at 7pm. Whilst we were on our break and getting ready; we were already aware of a global pandemic coming forth; I was very unsure if we were going to open on the Tuesday. I was saddened to think that after 5 solid weeks of hard work we wasn’t going to make opening night. Some colleagues of mine were about to make their West-End debuts. There was excitement and worry in the building and then we had a call on the tannoy telling us to come down to the stage for a meeting. We knew what was to come, but for everyone’s health and safety and after the government announced that ‘everyone should avoid restaurants and theatres’, we were to follow instructions and leave the theatre, clear out what we had just unpacked. In tears, however only to hope that our show will manage to stay strong and re-open.

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?

I’ve been doing my script/cover work, learning lines and going over choreography as I cover Tina Turner and Aline. I started to go for jogs to clear my mind the first few weeks, it managed to make me feel like I had a schedule. Especially after working 10-10 trying to put a show on, my body couldn’t just stop straight away. I manage to find a HIIT class at 12pm everyday my beautiful friend Annie Kitchen has on Instagram, that I would 100% recommend. I’m usually very active and pro-active, I tend to never stop so some days during, these weird times, I’d just meditate or take a few moments to stop, read and relax. I haven’t stopped moving and working since 2010, so this time is needed.

The Corona Diaries: Richard Carson

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* 

Richard Carson is currently appearing in the London production of Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre. His other credits include Reuben/cover Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (London Palladium); Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls (The Mill, Sonning); Sky in Mamma Mia! (Novello); ensemble/cover Chris in Miss Saigon (Prince Edward); ensemble/cover Fiyero in Wicked (UK and Ireland tour); Strephon in Sasha Regan’s All-Male Iolanthe (UK tour), Jason in Myth (The Other Palace); ensemble/Farmer in Oklahoma! (Royal Albert Hall, BBC Proms); Man One in Closer Than Ever (The Pheasantry) and John in The Hired Man (Bernie Grant Centre).

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 in my dressing room, it was so odd. We were told ‘no warm-up but meet on stage’ so we knew something was up. When we were called off, our dressing room stayed and had a few drinks knowing we might not be back for some time. Such a weird feeling!

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?

I’ve been live-streaming some fitness classes on my Instagram (1pm Fridays, join me!), and also been hosting workouts and quizzes for our Les Mis cast. It’s a nice way to keep in touch with everyone and keep my brain active.

The Corona Diaries: Harrison Clark

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. 

The Corona Diaries: Claire-Marie Hall

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* 

Claire-Marie Hall was most recently seen in The Wicker Husband at the Watermill Theatre. Her other credits include Operation Mincemeat (Southwark Playhouse); The Colours (Soho Theatre); Ruth in Mites & Woman in The Sorrows of Satan (Tristan Bates Theatre); The Grinning Man (Trafalgar Studios); Between Empires (St James Theatre & Edinburgh Fringe); Tuptim in The King and I (National Tour & Leicester Curve); Gabriella in High School Musical (UK Tour & Hammermith Apollo) and Cosette in Les Miserables (Queens 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 actually in the midst of opening The Wicker Husband at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury. We had all been living on site in the middle of the countryside for the last few weeks during rehearsals, so I think we all felt to some degree quite separate and safe from the events going on in London. Then literally a couple of hours before we were about to do our press night show, Boris made the speech advising people not to go to the theatre at all. We were lucky enough to still have our press night (Paul Hart made a speech giving people the option to leave if they wished, but everyone stayed) but then the rest of the run was cancelled and all of a sudden we had to go back home. It was like a massive crash back to this really warped version of reality.

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing? 

A big positive thing about this whole time is that I’ve finally found a lot of time to be productive in a creative sense. Whenever I’m not in an acting contract, I’m usually doing my office side job, or doing freelance PR work, or gigging, or learning material for this, that and the other. I always complained that I never had time to do anything just for myself, so being forced to stay at home and not work has in some ways been a blessing. I’ve started re-learning the piano which I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve actually started practising the Grade 6 syllabus now with the intention of taking it next year which I never would have done before. I’ve done quite a few fun, quick turnaround performance projects, from rehearsed readings to singing in concerts to filming a Shakespeare duologue. And I’ve managed to watch a large variety of theatre online, much more than I usually had the time to or could afford to.

The Corona Diaries: Francesca Pim

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* 

Francesca Pim was most recently seen as Soufflé in Beauty and The Beast at Exeter's Northcott Theatre. Her other credits include Zelda Zanders in Singin' in the Rain (Showtime Challenge, Adelphi Theatre); Lady Dolly in Twang!! (Union Theatre); Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland (UK Tour); Fiona/Helouise in Salad Days (UK Tour, Union Theatre); Lucinda in Into the Woods (Cockpit Theatre); Sammie-Sue Miller in 110 in the Shade (Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre); Helen in Wonderful Town (Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre) and Brenda in I.F the Musical (Waterloo East). 

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? 

At the time I was at home in London. (I am currently at my family home in Jersey as I made the decision to come back pre lockdown.) I had just had a phone call with a likeminded friend about our concerns for theatre and everything related to Coronavirus, I put the phone down and saw the news on social media and just kept thinking of what this meant for our Industry and the impact it would have on so many livelihoods. The Showstoppers were meant to have a show at the Lyric that evening which they had to cancel, but they did a Livestream improvised musical on their Facebook page so I watched that. It was brilliant, the last night that cast and many others will be together for a while and it felt reassuring to be reminded that creativity has not and will not stop.

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing? 

Just before lockdown, I had started teaching myself the Ukulele. I am by no means great, but I'm enjoying the process and have already used it in filming for the charity Spread a Smile. I have worked for Spread a Smile for a while now and they are a wonderful organisation. Usually they employ performers (singers, magicians, artists, poets and more) to entertain terminally ill children and their families in London hospitals. Unfortunately, the weekly visits had to stop due to Cornonavirus so we have had to adapt and find ways of entertaining virtually. In addition to this virtual entertainment for Spread a Smile, I have been learning Makaton which is a language programme used to aid the development of speech in children with learning difficulties. Learning this is very similar to learning choreography in that the more you practice it the easier it becomes to recall.

The Corona Diaries: Khalid Daley

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* 

Khalid Daley was most recently seen in the touring production of War Horse. His other credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (UK and Ireland tour); Hamlet (open-air tour) for Changeling; Careen – The True History of Bonnie and Clyde (Birmingham REP); Godspell (Edinburgh Fringe Festival); Sweet Charity (National Youth Music Theatre) and Matthew Bourne’s Lord of the Flies (Birmingham Hippodrome). 

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 in Perth for the International leg of War Horse and because we were eight hours ahead, I didn’t find out till Tuesday morning. It was a complete whirlwind of questions and what was going to happen to our industry and our jobs. It was just heartbreaking man. I remember feeling so anxious that day, that I had to do a meditation session with my friend which really helped. 

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing? 

I’ve been getting myself into a routine, just for the sake of some normality really. I’ve been joining workouts on Instagram in the mornings, which have been great. I’m currently writing a script and in the words of Phoebe Waller-Bridge - “I find writing really hard”. At the moment, I’m not sure whether its for theatre, television or film but I’m just writing, seeing what happens and enjoying it. I feel like this spare time has given me the freedom to be creative when I want and how I want. Like I’m able to work on songwriting and music (but no live streaming concerts anytime soon, unfortunately) with there being no pressure and I can go at my own pace. 

I’ve also reminded myself that there’s no need to be super productive all the time. Everyone is different but I know being productive in some way just helps me mentally, especially being indoors most of the time.