When lockdown hit I was preparing to play Judith Bliss in Noel Coward’s Hay Fever whilst my husband was due to perform on Broadway. Suddenly, overnight, we went from earning good wages to nothing. As actors we were ineligible for government assistance and after 30 years climbing the career ladder I was on minimum benefits.
I don’t think the industry was prepared to still be shut a year later, but I had my own personal fears - even as we enjoyed the mini-holiday vibe of the first lockdown, lapping up the sunshine and indulging in evening cocktails.
A year on we are preparing to move out of London to relieve the financial pressures. Actors are used to periods of inactivity, but that is very different from having no work and no income.
Reopening theatres: a rolling list of venues and shows that have confirmed returns whatsonstage.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from whatsonstage.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The best theatre shows to book tickets for in 2021, in London and the UK
Following the roadmap announcement, numerous productions are now on sale – from Andrew Lloyd Webber s Cinderella to a new Bob Marley musical
2 April 2021 • 11:30am
Andrew Lloyd Webber s new Cinderella, opening in July, stars Carrie Hope Fletcher (centre) and has a book by Emerald Fennell (right)
Credit: Milltown Partners/PA
The show will go on… soon! According to the roadmap out of lockdown, theatres can reopen with socially distanced audiences from around May 17 (or Step 3), and with full audiences from June 21 (Step 4). Many shows, including new and returning West End productions, are already announcing their runs, and you can start booking now.
Six musical confirms May reopening plans whatsonstage.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from whatsonstage.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.