The first lockdown in March was tough for everyone. No-one knew what to expect, how long it would last and everyone was waiting for the world to go back to ‘normal,’ whatever that is. That was back in March. We are now in November and going through another lockdown. The doors of theatres were just about to open again, but once again the lights are out with no real idea of when the theatre industry can start again.
However, one of the things I took away from lockdown one is that the theatre industry is full of creatives, who will adapt to any situation to make the show go on. I really hope this continues into lockdown two.
A real highlight of the first lockdown for me was the Leave a Light On concerts by the theatre café. I went to so many of the shows – at only £7.50 each how could I not? They were the first musical theatre concerts I had been to. The majority of in-person concerts take place in London, so for me to go see them I had to pay for the ticket, transportation and a hotel. Financially it just wasn’t an option. Streamed concerts allowed me to see a performer I love, at a reasonable price and at home probably (definitely) in my pyjamas. They also enabled me to see a lot of different performers, something I never could have afforded to do. Each concert was unique – although not without technical difficulties!
Whilst I don’t think a streamed concert fully captures the atmosphere of a live one it is a great alternative. I would love to see more streamed concerts during lockdown two, they are a great way to make theatre more accessible whilst also sticking to the government guidelines.
A lot of pre-recorded shows also found their way to online audiences for the first time. Whether it was classics featured on The Show Must Go On YouTube channel (my favourite has to be the 25th Anniversary Concert: Phantom of The Opera) or new releases such as Eugenius and productions from the Southwark StayHouse. There was so much on offer. I’d imagined sadly spending this year with no new theatre, but in lockdown I was truly spoiled for choice. I would absolutely love to see this continue into lockdown two. Theatre brings people together, and that’s what we need right now.
Thankfully, lockdown two does seem to be heading in the same direction. Hope Mill Theatre’s production of Rent is available to watch online. I had tickets to see this and happily swapped sitting in an auditorium for lounging in my room. The Hope Mill is a small regional venue, so it felt right to support them – and I can’t wait to see the show at the end of the month.
Last year everyone was raving about a play called Emilia. I was really sad that I missed it. From the 10th – 24th November the show will be available to watch online with a pay what you can system (£1 minimum). Allowing people to pay what they can, a scheme present in Fringe festivals for some years now, makes theatre more accessible – especially as more people are struggling financially.
There was a lot that I enjoyed during lockdown. It was easy to get lost in the streams, concerts and Instagram lives. I did find myself thinking “wow this is great, so much cheaper and I don’t even have to travel.” The accessibility of theatre during lockdown the first time, and probably the second time too, raises the question of what can be done to continue this once the theatres open again? It makes the arts more accessible to all, but there is a risk of losing the magic of live theatre to streamed performances.
What I would love to see is a mixture of the two. An online version for the vulnerable members of society, for whom it is still not safe to go or for those who cannot afford theatre tickets – perhaps using a pay as you can system.
I do hope that the love and appreciation for live theatre continues into lockdown two. I saw it and experienced it back in Spring. Many theatre fans took an evening with friends and family at the theatre for granted. I am certain that won’t happen again.
When the theatres do open again, I can’t wait to be back in the audience, but until then I am certain the theatre industry will come together again during lockdown two. After all, the show must go on.
Words by Orla McAndrew.
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