Lockdown 2

I am typing this the day after Boris Johnson played a “trick” on All Hallows’ Eve, reluctantly announcing that England needed to enter another lockdown similar to the one in March, although this time attempting to keep as many people going to work and education as possible. Unfortunately with theatre being a “leisure industry”, once again all venues across the country close once more. The aim is to lift many of these restrictions at the start of December and return to a local tiered system, but in reality it’s looking like hospitality and leisure will largely remain shuttered until the first signs of Spring next year.

With all the effort and expense put in by producers, creatives & artists across the country to reopen as many productions as possible, the timing - in the run up to Christmas - is heartbreaking. It’s the setback I feared, and I expect there to be more along the way, and I hope we are able to keep as many people afloat this time. Personally, I am settling into my part-time work at Edge Hill University in Lancashire (which has been under Tier 3 regulations for some weeks now). I am working in some capacity across all three years, which has certainly kept me busy with prep, show-learning and other elements of academic study that I have had to brush up on as part of this associate position! I don’t know yet how much this new lockdown will affect me, but 50% of my hours were already online anyway, with more practical stuff (singing & accompanying) occurring with a limited amount of students. The third years continue to rehearse towards a full performance of a musical, but we can only work week-to-week at present under ever-changing circumstances. That means in simplest terms, therefore, I continue to note-bash harmonies!

Available for weddings, bar mitzvahs etc…

In happier news, I got in touch with a couple of mates who I knew had also moved to Cheshire. It turned out they were actually planning a wedding, and I ended up playing for their service! It was a beautiful setting - I even got my own leafy laurel background - at a Masonic Lodge in Knutsford, and it was so lovely to be a part of this moment in their lives, especially since so many members of their family & friends were unable to attend. Notably, it was also my first “gig” since the start of lockdown! I am not expecting many more in the coming months… but huge congratulations to Gemma & Matt!

Stay safe this November, everyone. Now, where’s that recipe for Parkin?