Catch up with more of our furloughed colleagues in part two of our Furlough Diaries.

HOPE WARD-BROWN from Jonathan Church Theatre Productions
It’s an interesting provocation to reflect on how I’ve spent the last few months! I’m back in London now but for the most part I’ve been in Derbyshire, where my parents live. It was my birthday right at the beginning of lockdown and my Mum panic-bought a hot tub from Aldi which proved an excellent novelty, especially during the really hot weather.

I’ve done lot of walking in the Peak District, which isn’t quite the same if there isn’t a pint in a pub in a tiny Derbyshire village at the end, but a lovely way to spend time nonetheless. I’ve been reading a lot (I think I’m up to about 15 books now?!) which has been a total joy to do that at home and makes a change from cramming a book into my face on a crowded Tube.

I took a Mental Health Awareness Course and have been thinking about how I can use some of what I learnt and take that back with me to work; both in my own practice as well as supporting the acting companies we work with. The course was run by Mental Health First Aid England but part subsidised by a brilliant charity called Applause for Thought founded by an actor I worked with on A Monster Calls earlier this year. For more info visit www.facebook.com/applauseforthought/

I’ve also re-volunteered with a charity I have been involved with as a mentor and Ambassador for a few years. The Kids Network provide mentors for young people aged between 8-11 living in London in need of extra support. Previously, I was a mentor for 18 months to a totally brilliant 10 year-old and did plenty out and about. So, being a ‘Digital Mentor’ to a new young person and building that relationship over Zoom is more of a challenge, but it feels great to be doing it. If you’re interested in finding out more, donating or volunteering your time I’d encourage you to visit www.thekidsnetwork.org.uk/become-a-mentor. 

BECKY PEPPER from Luke Shires Marketing
The first weeks of lockdown I spent being overly positive or sobbing into my tea/G&T watching the briefings. I think about how different this time has been for everyone. We have family members shielding and some working more than ever before to keep the country going. I scheduled in hourly activities with the kids (aged 2 and 4); PE with Joe, baking, crafts, ‘learning time’, outdoor play, the list went on. Optimistic I admit, and most of it went out of the window after week one but it served a purpose at the time giving me a sense of calm. Now I do the workouts on my own while the kids watch TV and everyone moans when we go for a walk. But, that’s okay.

In week four we finally completed on our first family home. Something we’d been looking forward to for over a year. A huge task at the best of times, but this time with no removal company or family to help. Fast forward a month and we’re all settled and loving our new home. Although I’m slightly upset that my fancy handwash will be used up before anyone is allowed to visit (must hide it from the kids!)

We’ve found our rhythm and yes, it’s a long day to fill from 5am but I’ve loved watching my boys play and grow together. I’ve even started to read a great book about how marketing can make the world a better place; let’s hope I can put it into practice soon! I’m thankful to the LSM and TE teams who have supported us. I’m as determined as ever to fight for our beloved industry. Until then, I’ll be busying myself watching Room on the Broom for the nineteenth time before 7am and obsessively wiping sticky handprints from my new shiny surfaces.