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!
Jonathan O'Boyle is one of the hottest directors at the moment. His work includes The Last Five Years (Southwark Playhouse); The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit (Hope Mill Theatre); Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (Cadogan Hall); Cruel Intentions (Edinburgh Fringe); The View Upstairs (Soho Theatre); Hair (UK Tour, Hope Mill Theatre, The Vaults); Aspects of Live (Hope Mill Theatre, Southwark Playhouse); Peter Pan (Park 200); Rain Man (UK Tour); Pippin (Hope Mill Theatre, Southwark Playhouse) and Four Play (Theatre503).
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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Jonathan O'Boyle is one of the hottest directors at the moment. His work includes The Last Five Years (Southwark Playhouse); The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit (Hope Mill Theatre); Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (Cadogan Hall); Cruel Intentions (Edinburgh Fringe); The View Upstairs (Soho Theatre); Hair (UK Tour, Hope Mill Theatre, The Vaults); Aspects of Live (Hope Mill Theatre, Southwark Playhouse); Peter Pan (Park 200); Rain Man (UK Tour); Pippin (Hope Mill Theatre, Southwark Playhouse) and Four Play (Theatre503).
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 Southwark Playhouse where my production of The Last Five Years was playing. It was such a surreal day. We knew that the closure of theatres was coming, but it all moved very quickly. The performance went ahead that night and then closed the next day. There was a very strange atmosphere in the theatre that night. The audience knew it was likely to be the last piece of theatre they’d see for a while, so it was as if we were all soaking up every moment in front of us. The audience was so supportive, on what was an emotional night. We were able to say goodbye to everyone and have a drink together. That was the last night I spent time with friends. It’s also surreal to think that the set and all the props are still in the Large at Southwark Playhouse, waiting for us all to return.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I spent the first two weeks cleaning my flat from top to bottom. I found it strangely therapeutic and also realised how much of a mess it was! It’s now a spotless haven. I’ve been reading lots, which I love doing but never have the time. I’ve read some brilliant books including Hillary Clinton’s autobiography What Happened and a book given to me by Andy Mientus called Dancer From The Dance by Andrew Holleran. Both highly recommended. As well as all that, I’ve been doing some online Q&A’s with emerging directors and some online teaching for Arts Ed. Like everybody, we have to find new ways to work and connect with each other, which is challenging in an industry that relies on human contact. However, we’re a resilient bunch, and I know we’ll come through this stronger and more empathetic for each other.
