Hi, everyone!

Cate has shown her support for the Theatre Artist Funds in the UK. You can read more into it below.

On 16 March 2020, theatres across the UK were forced to close their doors as a result of the global pandemic. On this one year anniversary, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the past year and to share our hopes for the future.

Throughout the ongoing pandemic, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre (UKT) have been working closely with the government to lobby the needs of our industry and it’s world-renowned talent. Today, survey results collected by SOLT and UKT from across the theatre sector paint a picture of an industry that has struggled to survive the past 12 months and faced huge financial strain – but remains resilient and adaptable.

To mark 16 March, a host of famous faces are joining colleagues from across the theatre industry today in highlighting the plight of freelancers and raising awareness for the Theatre Artists Fund, using the social media hashtags #16March, #TheatreArtistsFund and #FirstInLastOut – referencing the fact that theatre workers were first into lockdown and will be among the last to return to work.

Created last July by director Sam Mendes, SOLT and UK Theatre, the Theatre Artists Fund provides emergency financial aid to the freelancers who make up an estimated 70% of the theatre sector. Eligible freelancers in need can apply for an individual grant of £1000 to help pay bills and put food on the table. The latest round of grant applications has opened today and will close on 30 March. Full details of eligibility and how to apply are available on the Theatre Artists Fund website.

Those who have lent their support to the #16March campaign include Joe Alwyn, Ellie Bamber, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Cate Blanchett, Hugh Bonneville, Michaela Coel, Benedict Cumberbatch, Anne-Marie Duff, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfie Enoch, Michael Fassbender, Claire Foy, Hugh Jackman, Ruth Madeley, Ian McKellen, Liam Neeson, James Norton, Sophie Okonedo, Weruche Opia, Andi Osho, Elaine Paige, Maxine Peake, Simon Pegg, Eddie Redmayne, Imelda Staunton, Juliet Stevenson, Mark Strong, David Walliams, Harriet Walter, Zoë Wanamaker, Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Ruth Wilson and Kate Winslet. You can find out more in the story below. If you’d like to support the theatre industry, please do consider donating to the Theatre Artists Fund. No matter how big or small, every little really does help and will go directly to those in need.

Source: Official London Theatre