COMING HOME: Jay Perry, soon to return to his roles in Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

You may know him as a West End superstar, but here at Pocket, we remember Jay Perry from the absolute legendary pop group, S Club Juniors! Jay was a part of the group as a child but has gone on to have a wonderful career in theatre. Before the theatres shut he had been in the London production of the smash-hit Broadway musical Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre.  

Jay is a stand by in Hamilton, covering the roles of Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Marquis De Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. He made his debut performance in the production at the beginning of 2020 and unfortunately didn’t have a long run until theatres all over the country closed their doors. Talking to Jay about what he is looking forward to when getting back to the West End, he says “I'm excited for the connection I get between being on stage performing and the audience receiving the performance, I love that buzz and the twinkle in the eye that you catch. The service we offer people is really magical.” 

COMING HOME: Hiba Elchikhe, currently in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie has been running in the West End since November 2017, a new British musical it has taken audiences by storm and has had a hugely successful run over the past few years. The show has recently announced that it will be temporally closing from the 26th of September at the Apollo Theatre, where Mischiefs Theatres’ Magic Goes Wrong will take its place. However, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be making a return in 2022! 

Hiba Elchikhe is currently playing Pritti Pasha in the West End production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and has recently announced that she will be playing Alice in Dick Whittington this Christmas at the New Wimbledon Theatre. She will also be appearing in ‘Well-Behaved Women’ at Cadogan Hall on the 3rd September. Her other credits include the title role in Brooklyn the Musical at the Greenwich Theatre, Fiver at the Southwark Playhouse, Antony & Cleopatra at the National Theatre, Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin in Australia, Ghost the Musical in Asia and The Sound of Music for ITV. 

COMING HOME: Marvyn Charles, about to feature in Bring it On at the Southbank Centre & on Tour

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

Bring it On the Musical has yet to be seen on a big scale in the UK, a touring production was announced in 2017 but this was cancelled. A fringe production by the British Youth Theatre Academy premiered at the Southwark Playhouse in 2018 with a new UK Tour being announced in early 2020. With rehearsals beginning in April of 2020, this was quickly postponed because of the pandemic and now it has been announced to open in November with a Christmas run in London before a UK Tour. 

Marvyn Charles was part of the original 2020 cast announcement and has been confirmed to rejoin the company for the rescheduled tour - a long time coming for Charles! His other credits include Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, a show he recently returned to cover in, Milkshake Live!, Smurfs Live on Stage, In the Night Garden, Dora the Explorer, Thriller Live on tour and in the West End and on our televisions in the X factor. 

COMING HOME: Collette Guitart, currently in SIX the Musical at the Lyric Theatre, soon to transfer to the Vaudeville Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

Six the musical hit the West End in early 2019 and has captured audiences, moving from its run at the smaller Arts Theatre to its first big West End venue at the Lyric Theatre where it is currently playing, the show will move to its new permanent home at the Vaudeville Theatre from the 29th September. 

Collette Guitart is the dance captain and understudies all of the Queens in the show, she has been with the production in its run at the Arts Theatre and is playing with it at the Lyric Theatre. She will be transferring with the show when it moves to its new home next month. Previously she appeared in Rip it Up at the Garrick Theatre, Bat Out of Hell at the Dominion Theatre, was a swing in the UK Tour of Wonderland and was in the ensemble of 27: Rise of a Falling Star at the Cockpit Theatre. 

COMING HOME: Jordan Allan, a recent graduate of the Arden School of Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

Graduating from drama school is never easy, regardless of the circumstances. But graduating in the middle of the pandemic? That’s a whole different situation. Anyone who has attended Drama School knows the challenges that you face upon entering the performing arts industry but imagine entering that industry when virtually nothing is going on. This is what the graduates of 2020 faced and whilst the industry-backed them up and a lot of opportunities were made available, these students didn’t get the experience they deserved.

Jordan Allan graduated from the Arden School of Theatre in 2020, one of many students released into the industry in one of the hardest times we’ll probably see in our lifetimes. Jordan was recently a part of the news concept album of ‘For Tonight’, featuring a star cast that includes Simon Gordon, Amy Di Bartolomeo, Dale Evans, Erin Caldwell, Jade Davies, Luke McCall, Jake Halsey-Jones and Soophia Foroughi.

COMING HOME: Harriet Watson, currently in the UK tour of SIX the Musical

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

One of the biggest hits of musical theatre of recent years has been the phenomenal SIX. Starting as a smaller fringe show with a limited West End run, it's grown into a multi-production phenomenon around the world. The show has just recently announced its new permanent West End home at the Vaudeville Theatre after its run at the Lyric Theatre. The first touring production of the show opened in September 2019 but was shut down in March 2020 due to the pandemic, the show resumed performances with a few casting changes in June 2021 in Canterbury. 

Harriet Watson, an alternate in the company, has been with the UK touring production since the beginning. She is an alternate for Jane Seymour and Catherine Parr but also knows and has performed the majority of the other Queens tracks as she covers them too. As well as this, she is also the dance captain on the production. 

COMING HOME: Shak Gabbidon-Williams, currently in The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

The Lion King still remains to be one of the top family and tourist favourites not only in London but all around the world. This live theatrical experience of the 1994 Disney film has stood the test of time as it enters into its 22nd year in London this Autumn. With productions worldwide this is one of Disneys true success stories and with its UK tour relaunching in October at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, it's sure to reclaim its position as one of the top shows in the world. 

Shak Gabbidon-Williams is no stranger to the show. Having previously appeared in the production at the Lyceum Theatre as a child playing Young Simba, he returns to the London company now as an adult in the ensemble and also covering the role of Simba. His other credits include Marvin Gaye and covering the role of Berry Gordy in Motown the Musical on tour and playing Seaweed in the touring production of Hairspray. 

COMING HOME: Rosanna Hyland, about to appear in Back to the Future at the Adelphi Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

Back to the Future was one of the most anticipated new musicals of the season, with a tryout run in Manchester wetting the musical theatre worlds appetite before its West End transfer. Unfortunately, after only a few weeks at the Manchester Opera House, the show closed. Having been in Manchester recently myself, it's sad to see the front of house still covered in the show's artwork following the quick closure it had but with the news of the show officially making its West End premiere on the 20th August 2021, we couldn’t be more excited! 

Rosanna Hyland will be reprising her role of Lorraine Baines in the West End production after being in the show in Manchester. Her other credits include Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, Alice in I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road at the Jermyn Street Theatre, Betty Hapschatt in Shock Treatment at the King’s Head Theatre, Hope Cladwell in Urinetown at the Apollo and St. James Theatre (Now the Other Palace), covering the role of Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Swing in Sister Act at the London Palladium and covering the role of Julie Jordan in Carousel at The Savoy.

COMING HOME: Oli Higginson, who will be starring in The Last Five Years at the Garrick Theatre in September

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

If there's one name in Musical Theatre, that has popped up and made everyone aware of who they are very quickly, it's Oli Higginson. Having actually trained as an actor at Guildhall, rather than in musical theatre, he made an absolute splash playing Jamie in The Last Five Years at the Southwark Playhouse. The show was playing before the lockdown and was actually one of the few shows that got to play its final performance on the evening of the 16th March 2020. But this wasn’t the end of the road for the show. After rave reviews, the show returned in October 2020 and was also filmed and streamed at the beginning of 2021. It has also recently been announced that Oli and his co-star Molly Lynch will reprise their roles for a West End transfer. The Last Five Years will play at the Garrick Theatre from the 17th of September to the 17th of October 2021. 

For his role in The Last Five Years, Oli was nominated for the Stage Debut Award for Best Performer in a Musical and also for an Offie Award for Best Lead Performance in a Musical. But even though he is a new name on the scene, he’s certainly been busy! As well as his performance in The Last Five Years, Oli has appeared in The Haystack at the Hampstead Theatre, Maggie & Ted at the White Bear Theatre, has played John in the hit Netflix show Bridgerton (in which he his reprising his role for its second season), layed Colin in The Pursuit of Love for the BBC and will be playing Saul in This Sceptered Isle for Sky Atlantic which is due for release in 2022. 

COMING HOME: Emily-Mae, about to feature in Frozen at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

One of the most anticipated West End shows of the season and one we’ve been waiting for the longest time is Frozen. This hit 2013 film broke so many records in the box office and reached the stage in 2018 on Broadway, now the West End premiere will soon be opening at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the 27th August 2021. 

Emily-Mae will be appearing in the production as Bulda and in the ensemble. Before lockdown hit, she was appearing in the West End transfer of City of Angels covering the role of Donna/Ooile and Angel City 4. Her other credits include the title role in Pippi Longstocking at the Royal and Derngate, Paradise in Brooklyn the Musical at the Greenwich Theatre, Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors at the Storyhouse in Chester, Ulla in The Producers at the Royal Exchange in Manchester and she played a Dynamite and covered Motormouth Maybelle in the National tour of Hairspray.  

COMING HOME: Adam Bailey, soon to star in the West End production of Jersey Boys at the Trafalgar Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back!

Even though the theatre world has a long way to go until we’re fully back, there are so many exciting things happening which we mustn’t forget about, long-running West End favourites reopening their doors along with new pieces of theatre and even revivals. Jersey Boys being one of them. Last seen in the West End in 2017, this much-loved show returns, playing in the newly refurbished Trafalgar Theatre. 

Adam Bailey, last seen in the West End production of The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre (where our shoot took place), will play the role of Bob Gaudio in the shows return to London. Before the pandemic hit, Adam was a Swing and first cover Elder Price in the West End musical. The Book of Mormon was Adams West End debut, which was a long time coming! His CV is extensive and we were surprised the West End hadn’t snapped him up sooner! Prior to appearing in the Book of Mormon, he had played Morgan in the UK tour of the Dusty Springfield Musical ‘Dusty’, played Munkustrap in the South Korean tour of Cats and played the lead role of Adam/Felicia in the UK tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. His long CV also includes Starlight Express, Chicago, Bare, Grease, Taboo, Jest End and Edges. 

COMING HOME: Lauren Byrne, currently in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella at the Gillian Lynne Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s journey to open Cinderella at the Gillian Lynne Theatre has probably been one of the most documented and talked-about stories in relation to the reopening of theatres. This new retelling of the classic fairytale opened on the 25th June 2021 with an opening night of the 20th July, this has been changed due to performances being suspended because of a COVID related case. With music by Lloyd Webber Himself, lyrics by David Zippel and a book by Emerald Fennell, the show is one of the handful of new musicals opening theatre again after the closure of theatres because of the pandemic. 

Lauren Byrne is appearing in the shows ensemble and is also covering the title role. Making her West End debut in the musical, she was previously playing the role of Jane Seymour in the UK Touring production of Six the Musical. Her other credits include Swing and cover Cynthia and Carole in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (UK Tour), Mabel and Dance Captain in Blondel (Union Theatre) and Understudy Rasa, Peggy, Gwen and Joyce in Sunny Afternoon (UK Tour). Lauren is the co-founder of the new training system ‘In3 Arts’, providing part-time training alongside her ex-Six cast member Harriet Watson. 

COMING HOME: Alistair So, just opened in Anything Goes at the Barbican

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

Alistair So has managed to almost bookend the pandemic with two major shows. Before theatres shut back in March 2020, he was appearing in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera, covering the role of Raoul. He is currently appearing in the London revival of Anything Goes at the Barbican. But Alistair is under no illusion of how lucky he has been to have been employed and to be going into employment again, “Some of us are fortunate enough to be going back to a job or starting a new one; many of us will not be. Additionally, no doubt there are performers who may be leaving performing behind entirely for all sorts of reasons related to Covid. To get back on stage while the UK heals and the rest of the world continues to fight off the virus, is a very special blessing.” 

Having only graduated in 2017, he has racked up a very impressive CV. He made his professional debut in the UK touring production of Miss Saigon covering the role of Thuy, made his West End debut in the Broadway revival transfer of The King and I at the London Palladium covering Lun Tha, played Jimmy Winter in Nice Work if You Can Get It at Upstairs at the Gatehouse and also appeared in Amour at the Charing Cross Theatre. 

COMING HOME: Yukina Hasebe, soon to open in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

The Phantom of the Opera is a musical classic, one of the longest-running musicals in the world it's a huge tourist attraction and has been seen by millions. With numerous productions around the world, the show is setting up to return to the West End at Her Majesty's Theatre, reopening from the 27th July 2021. After a 16 month absence from London, fans of the show and musical theatre nuts are eagerly awaiting its return and its opening of the exciting new cast, led by Lucy St Louis who is making history as the first black actress to play Christine. 

Yukina Hasebe is no stranger to the show, having previously appeared in the short-lived UK touring production of the show (that was closed down due to the pandemic), as well as in the German production. She returns to the show in its original home in the West End. Chatting to her she is obviously excited to not only be making her West End debut but to be returning to this wonderful show, “I can’t wait for the first show and to hear the overture! It’s epic and you can feel the magic in the air! I’ve missed feeling the lights on my face and moving through a different world on stage, it is a very special feeling.” 

COMING HOME: Alex Tranter, appearing in The Best of the West End at the Royal Albert Hall and will reopen in & Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre

 Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

The reopening of the West End and theatre in general has been an exciting and also excruciatingly painful time, with the buzz of shows opening around the country and the West End also came the disappointments of cancellations due to venues not opening or for isolation purposes. As hard as it's been, we’re getting closer to the end of the tunnel and what better way to celebrate than with a big concert at the Royal Albert Hall, ‘The Best of the West End’ will play tomorrow (21st July 2021) and will celebrate all things musical theatre. 

Alex Tranter will be appearing in the show, he will also be returning to his roles in & Juliet when it reopens at the Shaftesbury Theatre on the 24th September 2021. Alex appears in the ensemble of the show and also covers the roles of Romeo, Shakespeare and Lance. Previously he has also appeared in White Christmas at the Leicester Curve, Eugenius at The Other Palace, The Glenn Miller Story at the London Coliseum and on tour, Closer to Heaven at the Union Theatre and on the UK tour of Our House. 

COMING HOME: Chiarina Woodall, soon to be back in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

The smash-hit of this century is undoubtedly Wicked. The untold story of Oz follows the back story of the witches of OZ and is filled with tunes you will be belting out in the shower. If you’ve not already seen this show, where have you been?! Celebrating 15 years in London’s West End this autumn and 18 years on Broadway, the show has seen many international productions including numerous UK tours. A story that everyone connects to and with music by Stephen Schwartz, this show is a musical theatre staple and the West End just wouldn’t be the same without that green witch. 

A dream show for many, Chiarina Woodall appears in the ensemble of the show and was before theatres shut back in March 2020. She is returning to the show when it reopens on the 15th September 2021, almost 18 months after she last appeared in the show. She tells us she cannot wait to get back and perform the show to an audience once again, “Wicked is an incredible show, something I've always wanted to do. Being able to entertain and inspire people is so rewarding for me.” 

COMING HOME: Christopher Tendai, last seen in Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre and Artistic Director of Dance Company CTC

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

An up and coming choreographer and creative himself, as well as an accomplished West End performer, Christopher Tendai was appearing in the London production of Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre. Appearing in the ensemble and covering the role of Rudolpho before the theatres shut their doors back in March 2020. Over the pandemic, he has been keeping himself very productive with his creative work but he also went on to appear in the National Theatres pantomime, Dick Whittington, in December. He was the Dance Captain and Swing on the show but the run was short-lived due to London being moved into tier 4. 

After Matilda and Dick Whittington being cut short for Christopher, he has been through his fair share of disappointments through this but he remains positive, telling us that if he could give out a piece of advice to people it would be “to take each day at a time. Don’t beat yourself up if your body takes longer to get back to where it was. We have all suffered trauma over this pandemic so make sure to be kind to yourself.” 

COMING HOME: Megan Cerys-Holland, recently graduated from the Arden School of Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back!

Over the pandemic, the theatre industry has been hit hard. There's no denying it, we’ve all struggled. Maybe some have been in better positions than others, but we’ve all had our livelihoods on the line. But out of this uncertainty, so many wonderful things have happened, and as much as it is important to acknowledge and not forget the struggle we’ve been through we must also celebrate the wonderful things that have come out of this situation. One of them being, the celebration and support of recent drama school graduates entering this industry. 

Its always been difficult coming into this industry as a fresh graduate but more so right now than ever because the industry hasn’t really existed! However, there have been a few projects and companies supporting those and giving them a chance to shine, something that wasn’t necessarily available prior to the pandemic. Megan Cerys-Holland, a recent graduate of the Arden School of Theatre, is one of the graduates who has been featured in some of these fantastic opportunities. 

COMING HOME: Jonathan Andrew Hume, about to return to his roles in Come From Away at the Phoenix Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

We were lucky enough to grab some time out of Jonathan Andrew Hume's schedule, being a new Dad we almost felt bad for taking him away from his new little baby boy! He has been playing Kevin J, Ali and others in the West End production of Come From Away. Before the theatres closed, he has just begun his second contract with the show, having appeared in the original West End company. 

For his roles in Come From Away, he was nominated for ‘Best Male Actor in a Musical’ at the Black British Theatre Awards which comes as no surprise because he is one talented gentleman. His other roles include Simba in the Lion King both in the West End and in Singapore, featured in the cast of Alice in Wonderland at the Rose Theatre in Kingston and was a soloist in Bernstein’s Mass at the Royal Festival Hall.

COMING HOME: Maddison Firth, about to head out on tour with Heathers the Musical

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back!

In the return of theatre, one of the shows that has come back is Heathers. The hit Off-Broadway show made its London debut in a staged concert at the Other Palace which lead to a fully staged production at the same theatre and then transferred into the West End. The show is now back in London at the same theatre it transferred to, the Theatre Royal Haymarket, and the production is launching its first UK tour opening on the 28th July 2021 at the Leeds Grand Theatre. 

Maddison Firth will be starring in the UK tour of the show as Heather Chandler. She was a swing for the Cruise production of SIX The Musical and was actually due to play Katherine Howard in the same production but this was cancelled due to the pandemic. After many self tapes and Zoom auditions, the disappointment of a cancelled job soon went away when she was offered the UK tour of Heathers! A few push backs later, Maddison couldn’t be more excited to be heading back into a theatre. “Knowing so many people will be back in jobs they love, and back spreading that love to audiences across the country brings me so much joy.”