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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Rosa O'Reilly was most recently in the staged concert production of Les Miserables at the Gielgud Theatre. Her other credits include Nessarose and understudy Glinda in Wicked (Apollo Victoria); Soul Girl in Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre); Elizabeth in Dirty Dancing (West End and UK tour); Jasmine in Aladdin (SECC arena, Glasgow); understudy ‘Eponine’ in Les Misérables (international tour and Barbican Theatre); Les Misérables in Concert: The 25th Anniversary (O2 Arena) and understudy Meat in We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre).
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?
It all seemed a bit surreal at first, I think we kind of knew it was coming but it was still a bit of a shock at the same time, obviously very sad news for everyone involved.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I did Textiles & Design at college before going to drama school, so for the first time since then I got the sewing machine out and have made several dresses and I’m currently making fabric face masks! I’m going to try and keep this up after lockdown. I’ve also been volunteering to keep one of the local village businesses open during the past couple of months. Aside from that I’ve learnt some great new recipes, done a bit of gardening, growing vegetables and plants which is something I have never done before. I’ve also been keeping a productive career-wise by brushing up on my sight-singing and music theory.
