SARA (West End to Home Carer)
role the creative industry plays in British life and why the Daily Express is crusading to Raise The Curtain to ensure our live performance sector survives.
She added: “Everything just vanished for us overnight and there was little government support for those who fell outside the safety net. There must be hundreds of people making use of their theatre expertise to take on key roles.”
Ali took to social media to ask for stories and was bombarded with heart-warming examples.
She said: “There is often an assumption around the theatre that people are middle-class and when work ceased they could just move back in with their parents. But that is not the case at all. Lots of people desperately had to find work.
“What we all want is to be able to see theatres re-open to full audiences. Some forms of performances are starting to happen, but it’s a long way from getting back to normal. It is vital for the nation that it happens and it’s vital that the Raise The Curtain crusade succeeds.”
SARA O’Connor, 31, was working on Waitress at London’s Adelphi theatre when lockdown closed the show.
She said: “I saw online that care workers were needed and felt I had health and age on my side so I was at a lower risk than some. I’ve always had an interest in health services and I enjoy caring for people. I can’t get to my family during this time so I thought it would be good to know that other people’s loved ones are being cared for.
“I bought a bike for getting to and from work, avoiding public transport and getting some extra exercise in. The work varies from day to day. It can consist of waking people up, helping with exercise, medication, bathing, making meals, food shopping, cleaning around the house and general company.
“Everyone is different and it is always nice to meet new people. It has been a huge adjustment, the times I work are opposite to what I was used to. My life has completely changed.
“Maybe in time if people want to hear me sing I will. But that hasn’t happened yet – it would be a bit random just bursting into song!”