Kerry Ellis & Louise Dearman complete cast of THE FOSSE FOREST BALLET

Kerry Ellis & Louise Dearman complete the cast of Philip Joel’s “The Fosse Forest Ballet” 

Written by David Muscat and directed by Racky Plews produced by Emerge Production House the full cast are Philip Joel, Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman, Oliver Savile, Zoë Birkett, Tosh Wanogho-Maud, David Muscat, Amy Bailey & Nuwan Hugh Perera. 

Kerry Ellis and Louise Dearman are best known for their roles in Wicked; Ellis was the first British Elphaba and also the first Brit to transfer over to the Broadway production. She has also appeared in shows such as Les Miserables, We Wil Rock You, Oliver, Miss Saigon, Cats and Wonderland. Louise Dearman was the first actor to have portrayed both Elphaba and Glinda in the production, other shows she has appeared in include Evita, Guys and Dolls, Kiss Me, Kate and Side Show.

The team behind “The Fosse Forest Ballet” aim to raise £10,000 for Theatres Trust and Acting For Others.

Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities.

The Corona Diaries: Philip Joel

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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*

Philip Joel is a Choreographer, working throughout some of the UK's most prestigious drama schools. His credits include Closer to Heaven (Union Theatre); Miracle of 34th Street (UK Tour); The Wizard of Oz (Peterborough); Hairspray (The Gaiety); My Son Pinnochio (Gordon Craig Theatre); Henrietta (National Youth Music Theatre) and One Man, Two Gunners (Theatre Royal, Windsor)

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 home actually because I was already self-isolating. I was sad but at the same time I was glad that people were making sure that everyone was being safe and also, we'll be back! We've got a way to go but we'll be back and theatre will start up again, we'll all be back in the theatre again soon seeing all our wonderful friends performing again. 

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing? 

I have been watching a couple friends online classes, I haven't actually been participating, I've just been watching! My house has never been so clean so I'm thrilled. I've been catching up on a lot of Netflix and actually been on youtube and watching a bunch of Broadway musicals just to get a bit inspired. Catching up with friends on FaceTime and seeing all their little babies, I haven't done a Bootcamp. Maybe I should, we'll see! 

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK: Philip Joel's 5 Tips for a Healthy Mind for Graduates

Mental Heath Awareness week was started by the Mental Heath Foundation, who are in their 70th year, in 2001. Combating issues such as stress, relationships, loneliness, altruism, sleep, alcohol and friendship with this years theme being body image. 

Here at Pocket we put some feelers out to some of our friends who responded with such bravery and pride. Working in this industry we call 'show business' is tough at the best of times, Mental Health Awareness week is our chance to educate people and help us understand one another. 

Our mission as people who are in and adore this industry is to support and help everyone in it. To promote Mental Health Awareness week we have been joined by a few of our friends who have written some wonderful guest posts for us. The more we speak about this, the better. 

Click here to view them all. 

Philip Joel is a Choreographer but also teaches around drama schools in the UK. He has but together a little guide to help graduates maintain a healthy mind whilst battling with the upcoming challenges that they may face upon finishing drama School. 

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