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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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*
Jacqueline Hughes is currently appearing in the West End production of Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre. Her other credits include Elphaba in Wicked (UK and international tours); Beauty and the Beast (King’s Theatre Edinburgh); Company (Aberdeen Arts Centre); Dick Whittington (Manchester); Cinderella (Dumfries); Mad About the Musicals; Doreen the Steamie and understudy for Winifred Banks, Mrs Corry and Bird Woman in Mary Poppins (UK Tour).
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 actually at home as I’d begun to experience symptoms of COVID 19 the night before. So I was feeling pretty rubbish anyway. But I was sad, sad for our industry, the unknown, the what if’s. Seeing the pictures on the news of Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square so empty brought me to tears. I felt like we were in a horror movie!
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I have a young toddler so my husband and I have basically turned our home into a crèche! It’s such a luxury to have all of this time with him so we are trying to make the most of it. We are all walking together and taking in all things nature, seeing the world through a child’s eyes, it’s beautiful. I have been trying to fit in some yoga, family bike rides, indoor spinning, between the cooking and cleaning! It’s hard with a little one. We just try to go with the flow. Although, I must say I’ve baked enough banana bread to last a lifetime. I never get the time to bake so that’s been fun!
