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!
Jabari Braham was due to appear in the U.K. premiere of ‘Daddy’ which was scheduled to play at The Almeida Theatre this spring. Some of his other credits include MAME UK Revival (Hope Mill Theatre/UK Tour); Swing in Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre) Clumsy in Snow white (Richmond Theatre); All Star Musicals (ITV); Children in Need (EastEnders); Cover Neleus in Mary Poppins (International Tour); The Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS); Blue Peter (BBC); Ballet Shoes (Peacock Theatre); The Night of 1000 voices (Royal Albert Hall); FA cup final (Wembley Stadium).
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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Jabari Braham was due to appear in the U.K. premiere of ‘Daddy’ which was scheduled to play at The Almeida Theatre this spring. Some of his other credits include MAME UK Revival (Hope Mill Theatre/UK Tour); Swing in Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre) Clumsy in Snow white (Richmond Theatre); All Star Musicals (ITV); Children in Need (EastEnders); Cover Neleus in Mary Poppins (International Tour); The Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS); Blue Peter (BBC); Ballet Shoes (Peacock Theatre); The Night of 1000 voices (Royal Albert Hall); FA cup final (Wembley Stadium).
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 meant to be continuing with the rehearsal process for the play I was a part of. On the previous Saturday, we had an in-depth discussion about the possibility of this all happening. I can’t thank Rupert Goold and everyone at the Almeida Theatre enough because they really guided and helped prepare us for this devastating outcome. With Broadway already blacked out, it was just a matter of time before the West End/regional theatres followed suit. On the 16t, when it was officially announced, I was truly crushed and concerned. It was something that had already been present in my head, so I guess my thoughts eventually met with the reality of it all.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
Having daily structure during this time is rather important for me. Everyone’s level of productivity is different and I'm learning so much from reading how everyone is stimulating themselves in different ways. I’ve been doing a lot of exercise which I’ve loved. I went on a long walk the other week which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was just so refreshing to walk for such a long period of time and chime in with nature on the way. My calves were sore for a couple of days after though! I’m also doing some bodyweight exercises at home too. During this time, I’ve truly discovered the link between physical activity with my mental health. Sometimes it can be hard to motivate myself to start my workout. Once I get going though, I can literally feel the chemicals reacting with my brain in such a positive way. This is free and belongs to me, so I’ll be holding on to that for sure.
