PLAY ON, PLAY ON Rosie Wiggins
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ith the recent easing of lockdown measures, across a number of sectors, including theatres, music and performance spaces. As one of the first sectors to close in March, and the last to be able to open, what does this mean for the city’s numerous cultural venues…
It could be some time before the thriving entertainment scene returns, but that doesn’t mean an end to our local events industry – far from it. The lockdown has shown that if there’s one word to describe Southsea creatives, it’s ‘resilient’.
Beloved Southsea landmark The Wedgewood Rooms is one such venue, its doors remaining closed since late March. ‘Our business revolves around the most dangerous things anyone can do in this pandemic,’ says Geoff Priestley, general manager. ‘Unlike pubs we can’t open on small numbers. We need to be 50-66% full just to break even.’
Tash Hills
Earlier this year, Jazz songstress Tash Hills was in studios recording new original music, but lockdown forced a change in her plans. ‘It was a choice,’ says Tash, ‘Either sit there and do nothing, or grab the opportunity to make the best of it.’
Even as lockdown lifts, Scott Ramsay, director of Creative Harbour, notes that the public might not be ready to return.
So, with the help of her partner Ashley, Tash recorded and produced her new single Stepping On Out - entirely remotely. The process took three months, but her hard work paid off: Tash’s single was recently featured on BBC Introducing. Now, Tash embraces remote working: ‘There’s always more to learn’.
‘Only a third of the British public are happy to attend events; another third might be persuaded depending on a range of factors, but the rest won’t engage until a vaccine is found.’
Production company Trash Arts have also been embracing the “new normal”, finding innovative ways to make films and host events.
Scott Ramsay
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