Let's stick together, share the love and get through this as a community!
Tsemaye Bob-Egbe was last seen as the alternate Tina Turner in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at the Aldwych Theatre, previously she had also been in the cast as an Ikette and Cover Tina Turner and Alline Bullock. Her other credits include Janelle Woods in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre) and Mephisto in The Vaudevillains (Edinburgh Fringe).
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, having just finished a contract the previous Saturday. I was shocked initially, but not surprised. In fact, I was pleased that the theatres were taking steps to protect actors in what was already a scary time. Only no one knew at the time how dire the situation would be.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
It's been a mixed batch really. Although my fitness and singing has drastically reduced over the months, I have ignited a passion for other things. I came up with a concept for a TV show and finished two drafts of the pilot episode for the series within a month. In fact, I wrote the first four scenes in three hours! That's been pretty exciting. I have also found I have more time to play my instruments (piano and guitar) and to work on my musical (book, music and lyrics by yours truly). That's going to be a long process as you can imagine, but I'm embracing the challenge.
Also, I've been really fortunate to have some voice-over work in the last few months. You can hear my dulcet tones in episode 5 of Michaela Coel's "I May Destroy You" on BBC; and a lead character of a game which I will reveal at a later date. I now have a home studio as well.
