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!
Khalid Daley was most recently seen in the touring production of War Horse. His other credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (UK and Ireland tour); Hamlet (open-air tour) for Changeling; Careen – The True History of Bonnie and Clyde (Birmingham REP); Godspell (Edinburgh Fringe Festival); Sweet Charity (National Youth Music Theatre) and Matthew Bourne’s Lord of the Flies (Birmingham Hippodrome).
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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Khalid Daley was most recently seen in the touring production of War Horse. His other credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (UK and Ireland tour); Hamlet (open-air tour) for Changeling; Careen – The True History of Bonnie and Clyde (Birmingham REP); Godspell (Edinburgh Fringe Festival); Sweet Charity (National Youth Music Theatre) and Matthew Bourne’s Lord of the Flies (Birmingham Hippodrome).
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 Perth for the International leg of War Horse and because we were eight hours ahead, I didn’t find out till Tuesday morning. It was a complete whirlwind of questions and what was going to happen to our industry and our jobs. It was just heartbreaking man. I remember feeling so anxious that day, that I had to do a meditation session with my friend which really helped.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I’ve been getting myself into a routine, just for the sake of some normality really. I’ve been joining workouts on Instagram in the mornings, which have been great. I’m currently writing a script and in the words of Phoebe Waller-Bridge - “I find writing really hard”. At the moment, I’m not sure whether its for theatre, television or film but I’m just writing, seeing what happens and enjoying it. I feel like this spare time has given me the freedom to be creative when I want and how I want. Like I’m able to work on songwriting and music (but no live streaming concerts anytime soon, unfortunately) with there being no pressure and I can go at my own pace.
I’ve also reminded myself that there’s no need to be super productive all the time. Everyone is different but I know being productive in some way just helps me mentally, especially being indoors most of the time.
