The Extreme Staycation

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Lockdown Friday 27th of March was World Theatre Day.  Probably one of the most ironic timings of a day to celebrate something that's ever occurred - when most theatres across the globe are closed. As we come towards the end of our first week of proper lockdown, things in the world of theatre, film and tv still seem positive however.  There is lots of talk of the future and for when production all starts up again in real life.  There are still casting breakdowns going out - mainly with the dates of auditions and/or production TBC and advise that self-tapes are going to be utilised. There are lots of constructive initiatives from casting directors, agents and theatres designed to keep everyone connected and creative.  The industry & it's participants are being wonderfully  resilient  and supportive. Brighton Fringe has been cancelled and Edinburgh is still hanging in the balance - news this week apparently.

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Lockdown Many many people will now be earning less money. But here are some things I am saving money by not buying/spending on: Take away coffee Make-up Oyster card The gym Going out to dinner/the pub/cinema/theatre etc I don't know if this is good or bad, I'm not going to label it.  I just wonder if/when we come out of this if my priorities will have changed.  If my habits will alter.  It will interesting to find out. Supermarkets have now sensibly brought in stricter rules about numbers of people allowed in shops at any time and advised us to queue outside, at a suitable social distance and because we are British WE ARE ABSOLUTELY NAILING IT.  The one thing we can do, is queue.

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Lockdown Last night, I logged on to Zoom with 6 of my friends and we took part in a pub quiz.  We were viewing on YouTube but it was also being broadcast on Facebook.  Apparently live viewing figures topped out at 300,000. 300,000 people! And actually, it was probably more than that, because there were in fact 6 additional people watching the one screen via Zoom so surely the number must have been even higher! Anyway, the important point is that we got 34/50 which I think is pretty decent. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-52065425 I look forward to next week's challenge! Nice thing today is a picture of a quokka .  Just because they're unbelievably cute and look like they are smiling:

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Lockdown Should have been flying to the USA today. I was finally going to be able to explore LA (I went once when I was 10 but the only exploring on that occassion was of Disneyland) and also do some research for something I'm writing.  But that will all have to wait for now. More sadly, I was also going for a wedding.  That wedding, like many thousands of others has now been postponed or cancelled entirely. My heart breaks for those couples and families who are now not able to celebrate their love for one another in the way or at the time they chose. It also got me thinking about people who are having birthdays at the moment.  If you are self-isolating and really on your own, this must be pretty pants.  On a "Government Sanctioned" walk I saw a man standing on the street, shouting to his friend who was in his doorway holding a pint glass.  He told me it was his birthday and his friend had popped over

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Lockdown When presented with a large expanse of time I think it's human nature to try to fill it. I have loads of plans, things to do and I bet I won't do half of them.  Here are some I imagine we share: Read those books/journals/magazines you don't normally have time to Spend time learning a language Finish that boxset Pick up the instrument you always wanted to learn/have neglected since school Garden Filing Get ahead on my tax return Part of the reason we won't do them is that actually we don't have any more time.   Many people will still be expected to be working full time, just in their pyjamas, so there goes 8 hours. Lots read on their commute - commute is a lot shorter: especailly if you have your laptop in bed. Kids - usually they are at school for the majority of the day, now you have to be teacher/online learning enforcer and their after-school club One thing we might get i

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Lockdown As of Monday night we, the UK, are on lockdown. Like a lot of people, I was relieved that this was finally being enforced.  It seems that this is the only way to beat this thing, so let's start now so we can get past it. I've been heartened by many people's responses - Adam Garcia giving beginners tap classes on Instagram , Davina McCall making her website free for 30 days, Audible giving 30 days free access to children's books and many more. I have three predictions: 1. There will be a baby boom in December 2. There will be a large number of divorce petitions by June 3. Home burglary rates will dramatically decrease (probably the opposite for businesses sadly) For my part, I'm going to follow the government's advise, I think it is the socially responsible thing to do.

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Self-Isolation I am a big fan of Neighbours . Yes it's still on Yes really Channel 5 Yes, still twice a day.  Three times actually, I think it's also on 5Star... Anyway, now is a great time to re-connect with your friends down-under as last week was EPIC.  There were late night episodes!  Deaths!  Marriages! And don't worry if you haven't watched it since the early 90s, half the old characters have come back to celebrate it being 35 years old. So that's my top tip for today - Neighbours - cos everyone needs good friends

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Self-Isolation Life is now all about being online.  In the last couple of days, I have had conversations over Zoom with family members across the country and abroad and a seven way chat with friends on Google Hangouts which was super fun!  I've also taken a playwriting workshop with a teacher from Standford University and have plans for a jazz class on Monday night. We are in touch with each other more than ever in a world of social media, WhatsApp and the capability that the internet gives us to call anyone anywhere in the world.  But in the last few days I have found this increasing as my WhatsApp groups are all the more active - and I love it. I have plans to write some letters too Today was Mothering Sunday in the UK.  I popped over to see my mum - put flowers on her doorstep, rang the bell, then stood behind the gate, over a meter away.  It felt bizarre but I truly believe we should all do out bit, however odd i

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Self-Isolation Today I was supposed to be working for my dance teacher, operating the music for her kids taking their RAD (Royal Academy of Ballet) exams.  They have of course been post-poned but this is just one of a myriad of things, small disappointments, something so many have worked towards that now are up in the air, all that work, seemingly for nothing. Coming from an acting background, I have a lot of friends and associates who were in shows, opening show this week, in rehearsal, about to start filming something and it's all been paused.  It's quite difficult to get your head around actually - one moment it was all there or a clear goal and end in sight and then not. I was slightly concerned looking at the TV guide the other day as Miss World 1970 was about to be broadcast... have we run out of tv already?! Nice thing of the day: Gary Neville & Ryan Giggs donating hotel rooms to NHS staff who may wan

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Self-Isolation Today I went shopping early, there was fresh food on the shelves and I got some bananas - hooray! Like half the country, I've also been to Homebase/a garden centre.  I've always wanted to grow my own fruits and vegetables but I've killed the hardiest of house plants (I'm not kidding, I've killed cactuses) so haven't bothered following through.  However, as I now have the time, this is the moment to prove myself wrong. We have planted a variety of herbs, courgettes, tomatoes, cauliflowers, brussel sprouts, carrots and peas, the potatoes are "sprouting" and I've bedded more chillies than anyone will ever need (thanks to Wahaca and their little seed packs).  It's all quite exciting.  If literally anything sprouts a little green shoot I'll be delighted. Went for a jog/run and then ploughed through a lot of wine, negating the run somewhat, but hey, self-isolation.

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Food I love food and I think about food most of the time We all need to eat and food (and toilet paper) seem to be sending people bonkers. I get it, we don't know what's going to happen.  We don't know when this will end.  We don't want to starve.  We are used to being able to get any food, any time. The supermarkets assure us there is enough food, so let's believe them and dial down the crazy. We all have ridiculous empty supermarket shelve stories so I won't share mine, but I will share how I tried to buy bananas from a small independent shop, he tried to charge me £5 for about 10 bananas.  I declined to buy them.  I used slightly more colourful language in my head but you don't need to hear that. My biggest concern right now is waste.  I hate waste.  I truly hope that all of the fresh fruit, vegetables and bread that have been purchased by the tonne are being eaten and used.  If any of i

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Work All forthcoming social or work engagements from my diary have been removed.  It's a blank slate apart from reminders to give the cat her flea and worm medicine which she will be most pleased about. As of Tuesday night, all my freelance work has been cancelled.  This isn't exactly surprising as all my work (acting or work in between) involves: 1. lots of other people 2. public buildings that hold lots of people 3. travelling with other people unnecessarily to places with lots of people I'm genuinely concerned for my many friends and colleagues who will have no income for the foreseeable future.  I don't have a solution except to suggest that if you have kids who might need child care as the schools are closing and can afford to pay someone, consider asking any of your friends who are potentially going to be struggling. The acting industry is, as ever, being creative and resilient - casting

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Self-isolation day 2 I  immediately  leave the house and go to building with a large gathering of (mostly over 70 year old) people - church for St Patrick's day.  There are approximately 30 people there and all sit far apart from one another. No mass or hymn books, no holy water, no "peace be with you" handshakes (polite nods all round) and repeated assurance from the priest that hands have been washed. Go home to isolate. Start to panic that I am going to get fat so do a 15 minute HIIT session thanks to a lady on Amazon Prime. Decide to watch A Quiet Place in the evening.  Within 10 seconds, realise that this is a weird choice but stick with it because it's bloody brilliant.  Remind self that noise is (currently) not the enemy and handwashing will save us (hopefully). I lose all my hairbands during the course of the day.  I don't know where they go. Nice news of the day: Penguins walking aro

Location: London, UK COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak Accidental/unintentional self-containment day 1.  Why?  Well, I had to stay in for the builders. 4:45pm Boris Johnson tells us that we should avoid everyone and everything.  I'm supposed to be going to the theatre and refresh Twitter until SOLT announce that theatreland is going dark. And I got released from a pencil for a job. Overall, pretty shitty day. My local Sainsbury's now has no actual food - pasta, rice, tins all long gone - now there is no fresh fruit and veg except grapefruits, beetroot, green peppers (the worst one) and spring onions - Ready Steady Cook anyone? I buy three bottles of (vegan) pinot grigio and far too much chocolate and spend the evening exchanging Disney song voicemails with my old drama school buddy and watching Cheer on Netflix.