Mansfield actress calls for support for entertainers out of work due to Covid-19

Corinne Peat, a singer and dancer, enjoyed a thriving career before the pandemic hit – working in theatres across the UK and Europe and performing at weddings, parties and sporting events.

But as the virus spread and theatres and other venues were forced to closed their doors, the 27-year-old is out of work and has had to rely on self-employed grants from the Government – only one of which she has received.

“With the Government announcing theatres can open but no live performances are to be made, this has put me and a number of self-employed local performers in an awful situation,” said Corinne.

“This includes dancers, singers, actors, actresses, musicians, lighting technicians - the list goes on.

“How are we to work if the theatres remain open with no live performances allowed to go ahead? What are we supposed to do until 2021?

“We as an industry have entertained the nation during lockdown. Our industry brought in 2.8 billion a year.”

Corinne also questioned the future of Mansfield’s Palace Theatre, which temporarily closed in March, adding: “Some of the most prestigious theatres in London are at risk of closing permanently, what hope does the Palace Theatre in Mansfield have?

“Having performed at the Palace Theatre numerous times in my life, I know that the venue brings great joy to many adults and children and as we approach the start of the rehearsal period for Christmas pantomimes, it’s not looking very likely that the towns population will be able to enjoy that this year.

“Most theatres survive from pantomime ticket intakes each year.”

This week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged a £1.5bn ‘rescue package’ for theatres, museums, art galleries and live music venues.

But many performing arts venues have seen their income fall to zero and warned that they do not have the money to reopen- even with socially distanced auidences.

David Evans, head of Health and Communities at Mansfield District Council, said: “We are keen to promote and support a cultural offer for the district and are looking forward to being able to resume productions at the Palace Theatre.

“We continue to await a government announcement on reopening arrangements but in the meantime preparations are underway behind the scenes.”

Sian Booth, formerly from Doncaster’s Cast Theatre, is set to take over as Mansfield District Council’s Cultural Services Manager on July 13, following Andrew Tucker’s retirement.

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