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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Jade Marvin was most recently playing Catherine of Aragon in SIX for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Her other credits include Elegies for Angels, Punks & Raging Queens(Union Theatre); Bad Girls The Musical (Upstairs At The Gatehouse) and Mythic (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 the middle of the sea actually! We’d just done our debut performances of Six on the NCL Bliss on the Friday and Saturday so we’d had a wicked weekend of celebrating, but we’d been told that cruising had been suspended so we wouldn’t be sailing with guests the next week. So we were all just relaxing, just trying to stay positive for what that meant for us at sea, and I think somebody saw an article on their phone and we all just sat there together so gutted. We knew that it was coming because of Broadway closing (and Broadway SIX not getting to have their official opening) but as West End is home so it was just so heartbreaking. I was especially upset because one of my best friends was 2 days away from making his West End debut in Tina: The Musical and it felt like that excitement of a debut was totally demolished by this horrible virus.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I have actually taken up rollerskating, which is a lot harder than it looks! My friend whose currently in Starlight Express has been sending me a few basic starter videos to try and help me learn but honestly, I’m just trying to stay upright for long enough. It’s really fun though and gets me out of the house doing exercise. I’ve also committed to doing Insanity workouts and I’m currently in week 5 so over halfway through the programme! It’s so hard but there is a group of us that are accountability partners which is a nice social aspect and helps with motivation. There are so many amazing fitness classes out there though, there is literally something for everyone. I’ve done Bobby’s bakery, LockdownLiveLondon and Barrys At Home all which I highly recommend. There is also thousands of dance classes, yoga and meditation (Check out @musicaltheatreyogi - Jessica Parkinson) which are mostly free as well so it gives you a chance to try out lots of different styles of teachers and trainers and keep up your skills/learn new ones.
