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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Monique Ashe-Palmer was most recently seen in the West End production of Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre. Her other credits include Swing & Dance Captain in Madagasgar the Musical (UK Tour); Ensemble in Sleeping Beauty (Camberley Theatre) and Mack and Mabel (London Musical Theatre Orchestra).
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 the theatre when I found out that we were closing. Due to illness, we had a massively cut show, so it was all hands on deck. Our amazing resident choreographer, myself, the swings and a few other members of the ensemble were on stage learning alterations to their tracks, which the lovely Leanne Pinder (resident choreographer) had put in place to ensure we could put on an amazing show for our audience. We were Picking up new forks, passing coffee pots here, there and everywhere, doing a new '+ a 2 + 3, 4'. We all mucked in so that we could put on the same fabulous show that we always do. Then everyone from all departments seemed to suddenly flood onto the stage, including our company manager and it was then that we were told that we wouldn't be going ahead with tonight's show and we would be closed until further notice.
Now this was, of course, devasting, this was my first West End gig, I was living the dream, we had just finished a mentally intense rehearsal. However, we knew that this was the right thing to ensure people stayed safe. Despite feeling sad, I sort of felt it coming however in my head I left that day thinking we would be back in a month or so.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
My favourite question! As well as dancing around (doing my mums head in I'm sure), singing and filming some self-tapes. I have actually been quite busy in other departments. I am vegan, and I have been doing a course in plant-based nutrition. I love cooking and baking and people always ask me about the types of things I cook so I figured why not make an insta page where I can share my meals and recipes with everyone. Obviously all this baking and cooking isn't great when all the gyms are closed but that's where my new private deliverroo service comes in handy. I now travel around dropping off sweet treats. I work out at least once a day, just to get the old joints moving. Also, I have refound my passion for reading. And finally, I have been oil painting and revamping old furniture.
