The Corona Diaries: Lucyelle Cliffe

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*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation.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* 

Lucyelle Cliffe most recently appeared in Grandpa's Great Escape Live in the ensemble and covering the roles of Miss Verity and Miss Trifle. Her other credits include Ensemble, 1st cover Paulette & 2nd cover Enid in Legally Blonde (UK Tour); Ensemble & cover Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables (Queens Theatre); Ensemble & cover Madame Morrible in Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre); Muriel in When Midnight Strikes (Upstairs at the Gatehouse); Pitti Sing in the Hot Mikado (Landor Theatre) and Boeing Boeing (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 in Tescos getting my weekly shop & I had to double-take when I saw the news break. My heart sunk, I firstly thought oh no my poor friends & colleagues who are currently in work must be devastated and then I remembered that I also had a few auditions coming up that would inevitably get canceled.  

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing? 

I live in a building with 8 other flats, the walls are really thin so I knew if I was going to record some live singing it would have to be in my bathroom as it’s pretty soundproofed in there so I began ‘Lucyelle live in the bathroom’ and I’m still taking requests. It’s keeping me singing, doing what I love & making my friends & family smile. I take regular yoga & a few dance classes a week to keep me focused & feel energized. I’ve also increased my daily meditation practices as it calms my mind & helps me feel way more focused in these uncertain times.

WICKED 10 : Lucyelle Cliffe

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 
I was midwife 1st cover Madame Morrible October 2013 - January 2015. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?
My birthday in 2008 at the Apollo Victoria.

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?
Like every performer I wanted to be in the show and knew I had to work my tail off to get there. 

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
The first time I stepped on that stage.

Tell us one embarrassing story from your time in the show…
There was a moment when I felt my skirt loosen so I had to perform 'One short day' with my skirt nearing my knees.