Let's stick together, share the love and get through this as a community!
Jessica-Elizabeth Nelson is currently a Swing and cover Pearl, Dinah, Carrie & Coco in Starlight Express in Bochum, Germany. Her other credits include Alternate Millie & Ensemble in Thoroughly Modern Millie (UK Tour); Billie Bendix in Nice Work if You Can Get It (Upstairs at the Gatehouse) and Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Canada).
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 just returned from performing in Starlight Express in Germany, as we had to close early due to coronavirus getting worse. When lockdown began and I heard that The Society of London Theatre was to close all London Theatres and at first I thought it was to keep us all safe. But it wasn't until recent months that I realised the true loss for our Theatres and business and the struggle we have yet to face. But if I know anything, showbiz always shines through, and though we have one hell of a fight, we will get through it together.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
Since being home, I have used this time to be with my family and fiancé that I would not usually be able to appreciate whilst working and travelling. Recently I have been planning my up-coming wedding for 2021 and buying my first house with my partner, Edward. Which has been a true blessing in disguise. I have also had to figure out different ways to stay fit and healthy during the lockdown. I regularly burst into song whilst running or skating to keep my pipes happy in which the sheep in the fields find very odd. But for now, I am keeping a healthy mindset and seeing a positive outlook on our future as performers. For whilst even when we hit rock bottom, the only way to go is UP!
