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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Jennifer Tierney is currently in the London company of Come From Away, having been part of the original West End cast. Her other credits include Shrek the Musical (UK & Ireland); Wicked (Apollo Victoria); Mamma Mia! (International Tour & RCL); Jerry Springer the Opera (National Tour); Saturday Night Fever (RCL); Chess (Oslo Spektrum); Carousel (Royal Festival Hall); Godspell (Chichester Festival Theatre) and Lord of the Rings – The Musical (Theatre Royal Drury Lane).
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 the Phoenix theatre just heading down to warm up for our Monday night show - we got a call to the stage by our Company Manager and the whole company stood with our producer John Brant who gave an emotional speech explaining that the show had to close with no certainty of what was ahead. As you can imagine it was an incredibly sad moment and I think we were all in shock. I don't think anyone really expected it to happen that abruptly even though there were rumblings of the industry closing down as Broadway had a few days beforehand. But when it actually became a reality it was really hard to take it in. To be honest, it still doesn’t feel real. We all decided to get drinks from our dressing room and all came down to the stage and had a couple of hours together and then those of us that were left - did Welcome to the rock with the drum - all the FOH team came into the upper circle and it was a real feeling of unity. We all truly believed it wouldn’t be the last time we sang that song and it was our way of saying we will be back stronger than ever as soon as we are allowed.
