In March of 2020, the world would shut down in response to the spread of Covid-19, this in turn having devastating impacts on various sectors, including the arts. Forced to close, and in some cases shut down, venues were forced to adapt during an unpredictable period within our modern history, creatives taking on jobs on the frontline in order to support their income. Having graduated from ArtsEd in 2015, and shortly after that taking part in the 30th anniversary company of Les Misérable before embarking on an international tour and the 50th anniversary Tour of Hair, performer Paul Wilkins would take on night shifts at his local supermarket in order to supplement the lack of work available at the time. It was during his 5 months of work that he’d be asked by musical producing duo James Beeny and Gina Georgio to record the song ‘Strange Old World’ with many other key workers and it was here where ‘The Frontline Singers’ were formed. Participants in the 15th series of Britain’s Got Talent, the group would go on to make it to the live semi-finals on Thursday 2nd June. Paul tells us more about this experience and what it’s meant to be a part of The Frontline Singers during such a transformative time.
Childhood is where we often establish life long friendships, a formative aspect of our lives, the school setting offers an integral opportunity to not only learn, but socialise. From a young age, we also begin to pick up on societal cues, cues that determine our life paths and shape daily interactions. Having debuted their production Playfight last year, Orisun Productions, consisting of producer Shereener Browne and director Leian John-Baptiste present an examination of the corrosive way in which racism determines the direction Black lives take, the show following best friends Kai, TJ and Zara who initially inseparable encounter change that challenges this. Currently playing at Theatre Peckham as part of their fringe festival, Shereener and Leian tell us more about the show’s pertinent topic, taking part in the inaugural Peckham Fringe Festival and what audiences can expect!
Within the past decade, the face of food delivery has shaped how we dine at home, food delivery apps our new normal, delivery drivers now a staple on our streets, with food now accessible at the click of a button. Inspired by his own experiences within the service and delivery jobs sector, writer Max Wilkinson created show Rainer during the initial 2020 lockdown, an unpredictable time period that would place a higher demand on the delivery sector. Rainer explores the experiences of the eponymous solitary bicycle delivery driver as she whizzes across London in response to demand, placing her much needed voice centre stage. Currently playing at the Arcola Theatre, Max tells us more about exploring his own personal experiences further, the show’s two year creative process and working with his fellow team to realise the show!
