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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
George Ure most recently finished his third run as Boq in Wicked, having previously been in the West End production and on the original UK & Ireland tour. Other credits include Rusty’ in Starlight Express for Andrew Lloyd-Webber (The Other Palace); ‘Zaki’ in Big Fish (The Other Palace); ‘Tobias Ragg’ in Sweeney Todd (Welsh National Opera, West Yorkshire Playhouse and La Monnaie De Munt); ‘Tom’ in Millennium (Soho Theatre); the title role in Peter Pan (Milton Keynes Theatre) and Hair (European tour)
On Monday 17th 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?
If I remember rightly I was wading through a supermarket trying to get a few bits and bobs (in sensible amounts I should add!) when theatre by theatre started to close. Being in numerous social groups on different mediums, my phone was buzzing off the hook. My initial reaction was bewilderment as I know just what it takes to make such a decision. But also I hugely respected the various producers and theatre owners for making such a difficult decision to not only protect their own people, but the public at large.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
What I did was take the time to actually stop, reflect, enjoy my own company and be as productive as possible within the confines of the current situation. My house has never been cleaner and there’s only so much laundry one person can do, but a clear space is a clear mind, right?! Amazingly the team at The Urdang Academy (where I am a Musical Theatre teacher) managed to get a whole timetable of classes online, so I have been able to connect with the students which has been a joy. I’ve been in touch with fellow creatives regarding projects and initiatives which has been really heartwarming. In terms of new skills - Tesco has the slickest shelves in town as I started with them yesterday due to the demand for temporary workers. I’m not a medical professional and I don’t drive, but I can make myself useful and contribute in my own way. Every little helps as the saying goes.
