Following the heatwave, London was hit with a torrential rain and booming thunderstorm that left many roads, tube stations and parks out of action on Sunday. The VERY SAME DAY our first live show outdoors (and out of lockdown) was scheduled to take place, before a sold out audience!
Argh! Of all the rotten luck…
“The cast and crew arrived that morning, feeling relieved we’d all made it through rehearsals without any of us testing positive or being pinged!” recalls director, Marie. “Last minute cast changes worked like a dream, the sets were eye-catching in the park and it was all going to go well…”
Our audience had of course been reminded about the potential of bad weather so it was no surprise when they arrived and mingled at the entrance gazebo, that many were wearing sturdy footwear or that there were a few hats and hoods dotted around.
We made two thirds of the way through our first show before the heavens opened.
“It started as what can only be described as an unthreatening drizzle,” explains an event volunteer, “but quickly descended into a full-fledged downpour!” But despite the horrific conditions, the support of the audience increased; cheers grew louder from under the colourful umbrellas and nobody ran off mid-monologue to drier pastures!
The decision was easy. Moving as swiftly as we could, we sought shelter in a covered area of the Thames Path. And with the beautiful soundtrack by Nina Perry drowning out the choppy waves, we staged the final two pieces.
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