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!
Shaun McCourt has just appeared in the touring company of Blood Brothers. His other credits include Adam in Imagine This (Union Theatre); Jim in The Railway Children (Kings Cross Theatre); War Horse (New London Theatre); Issachar & Cover Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (UK Tour); Ensemble in Pirates of Penzance (Kilworth House); Lord Chancellor in the All-Male Iolanthe (Wilton's Music Hall). He is also the founder and Producer of the West End Live Lounge, a cabaret company performing in venues like The Other Palace and Crazy Coqs.
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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Shaun McCourt has just appeared in the touring company of Blood Brothers. His other credits include Adam in Imagine This (Union Theatre); Jim in The Railway Children (Kings Cross Theatre); War Horse (New London Theatre); Issachar & Cover Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (UK Tour); Ensemble in Pirates of Penzance (Kilworth House); Lord Chancellor in the All-Male Iolanthe (Wilton's Music Hall). He is also the founder and Producer of the West End Live Lounge, a cabaret company performing in venues like The Other Palace and Crazy Coqs.
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 heard the news of theatre closures whilst on my day off from the tour (Blood Brothers). On the Saturday night there was obviously speculation amongst the cast as to whether we would continue the tour, and this was confirmed on the following Monday just before travelling to the next venue. I think like most, it didn’t fully sink in at first. The realisation of the severity of the situation only took hold after a day or two.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
Staying productive during these trying times is so important, but not always easy. I am used to life moving at a quick pace and juggling lots of different things at once. To suddenly have very little to do was a real shock to the system and a massive knock to my mental health. I have spent a great deal of time in the kitchen improving those culinary skills. I was finally able to find flour and sugar once people had stopped the panic buying, so there is always a cake or some cookies for my housemates to (hopefully) enjoy. Just to cancel out all the calories, I have been making sure I exercise every day- thanks Joe Wicks, your workouts allow me that extra cookie or slice of cake!
