I was lucky enough to be asked to take part in a fantastic project with Theatre of Debate and the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR).
‘Covid and Me’ are a series of Monologues specifically aimed to show how people from ‘underserved’ communities have been affected by Covid and to encourage them to enlist in vaccine trials. After doing a self-tape from home (something I’m getting used to doing!) I was asked by the wonderful director Nigel Townsend to play the role of Mandy in the monologue ‘Hugs’ by Judith Johnson. Mandy is a ‘terrified middle-aged woman with diabetes and a 20-a-day habit.’
It was quite unsettling, but also exciting going to London on the train in the middle of the second Lockdown, I’ve never been on a commuter train that was so empty! Nigel and his team had set up a Covid secure studio. I filmed my monologue in a studio space with just myself and a mask-wearing cameraman, operating everything from his computer about ten feet away. You can watch the film on my Showreels page …
Meanwhile Nigel gave me direction from outside the studio through speakers. Weirdly it felt quite normal, greeting everyone wearing masks and standing a respectful six feet away. I’m very proud to have been a part of such an important and rewarding project.
