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!
Joelle Dyson was most recently seen in the London production of TINA: The Musical. Her other credits include Usherette/1st Cover Ulla in The Producers (Royal Exchange Theatre); Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre); Funny Girl(Savoy Theatre & Menier Chocolate Factory); Tiger Lily in Peter Pan (Plymouth Theatre Royal); TOMMY (Blackpool Winter Gardens); Ikette in Tina - The Rock Legend (European Tour); Ultimate Broadway (Shanghai Culture Square Theatre); Elegies for Angels Punks and Raging Queens (Shaw Theatre).
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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Joelle Dyson was most recently seen in the London production of TINA: The Musical. Her other credits include Usherette/1st Cover Ulla in The Producers (Royal Exchange Theatre); Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre); Funny Girl(Savoy Theatre & Menier Chocolate Factory); Tiger Lily in Peter Pan (Plymouth Theatre Royal); TOMMY (Blackpool Winter Gardens); Ikette in Tina - The Rock Legend (European Tour); Ultimate Broadway (Shanghai Culture Square Theatre); Elegies for Angels Punks and Raging Queens (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 had just finished a years run of TINA at The Aldwych Theatre on the Saturday (14th) so I was actually at home. We had all feared it was on the cards soon, especially after the news from Broadway so I wasn’t actually surprised. Getting a minute by minute breakdown of what was happening from friends still in shows and at their theatres was very surreal. My initial worry was about the next job I had lined up and whether or not it would still be going ahead. I figured to be between contracts was dangerous territory as I wouldn’t fall under the protection of being “current cast” in regards to finances or job security.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
My first few weeks were filled with self-tapes as all auditions have now moved online. It’s really great that technology has allowed us to stay connected both professionally and socially over the lockdown. I also made sure I had some lazy days at the beginning as I wanted to give my body a break after such a physically demanding year. Since then, taking part in all the live fitness classes people are offering has been amazing and I’m looking to add Tap and Pilates this week to mix it up! I’ve also made use of the free courses that Open University are offering. Forensic Science, anyone?
