Dame Helen Mirren has warned of possible homelessness among theatre workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to Sky News, the veteran actor – who won an Academy Award in 2006 for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II – also praised the work and creativity of young actors throughout the course of 2020.
“Incredible creative juices are still flowing so well within the young people with their contribution on the internet, whether it is on TikTok, [or] on YouTube” Mirren said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY5Vwwqe7h8
Dame Helen also warned of a crisis among young actors and those just starting out in the world of theatre, adding that it is “a very important part of our culture in Britain.
“People come to Britain to go to the theatre. Very often that’s why they come.”
Dame Helen is currently working to support a Christmas appeal by the charities Social Bite and FoodCycle, which is being run in association with the delivery company Just Eat.
In July, the UK Government announced a £1.57 billion Cultural Recovery Fund to help the arts industry survive the pandemic. However, Dame Helen is concerned that this is not enough to help workers in the sector.
Words by Jaimie Kay.
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