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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Leanne Pinder was recently seen in the London company of Waitress as a Swing and resident Choreographer at the Adelphi Theatre. Her other credits include Swing/ Co-Dance Captain in the Original London Cast of Strictly Ballroom the Musical (Piccadilly Theatre); Snow White (Palladium); Assistant Choreographer on Groundhog Day (Broadway); Swing/ Dance Captain in Groundhog Day (Old Vic); Swing, Dance Captain & Understudy Paula in Bend it Like Beckham (Phoenix Theatre); Assistant Choreographer for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Playhouse Theatre); Assistant Choreographer on American Psycho (Almeida Theatre); Assistant Choreographer on Matilda (Original Broadway Company, Schubert Theatre, NYC); Swing & Resident Choreographer on Matilda (Original London Company, Cambridge Theatre); Swing/ Dance Captain in We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre); Associate Choreographer on 'We Will Rock You' (UK Tour); Iris Kelly in Fame'(UK tour); Linda/Patti, understudy Maria/Shirley in Saturday Night Fever (UK tour) and understudy Rizzo, Patti, and Cha Cha in 'Grease' (UK tour).
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 already at a warm-up for the evening show at Waitress. After the closure of Broadway, I was already thinking it must be coming just unsure as to when. I was doing a HUGE show cut. Sara, Gavin and NaTasha had had to fly back early to the states due to the imposed travel restrictions and we were really down on people. The gorgeous ensemble and incredible swing team had all come in early and we were re rehearsing the show. It was actually due to be the slickest finale with the least amount of people you’d ever seen!!! People juggling sugar butter and flour along with coffee, mugs and menus! But as I was about to start the physical warm-up, I saw the wings fill with people from other departments and instantly knew something was happening. I immediately felt a little nervous. I love the show so much and we had no idea when or if we would be back, so it was a strange, uneasy train ride home.
