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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Robbie McMillan most recently appeared in White Christmas at the Dominion Theatre. His other credits include Mr Mistoffelees in Cats (Kilworth House & UK Tour); Ensemble in Guys and Dolls (Theatre Marigny Paris); Ensemble in White Christmas (Leicester Curve); Joe in Flashdance (UK Tour); Ensemble in Chess (London Coliseum) and Ensemble in the Johannstrauss Gala (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?
Oh, what a fantastic day that was! I had just begun rehearsals for ‘The Boyfriend’; joining the cast from its recent success at the Menier Chocolate Factory as we were set to take the show to Toronto. We had been told on the previous Friday the 13th that the show was not to go ahead as Canada was shutting down its theatres and then sadly by Monday it was the United Kingdom that received the same fate. The production is stunning so I hope it is revived at some stage- Director Matt White and Associate Director/Choreographer Bill Deamer are just brilliant to work for. My initial reaction to the news was gin, and then my reaction after that was more gin.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I flew back to Australia (yes, I am a bogan from Queensland and yes my impressions of Mr G are freakishly accurate) to be with my family during this time and I have been helping my Dad’s optometry business. From packaging and distributing spectacles to organising appointments for patients, I feel like I’m going to add “Optician” to my Spotlight CV when I’m back. I’ve also been choreographing loads and managed to start my own class “INDUSTRY JAZZ” every Sunday at 11AM on Instagram Live in association with online dance network, Magnetic Movement.
