Daily Info: Tell us about what you normally do
Lucy Askew: Creation's work is normally all over the place - bookshops, parks, shopping centres - and each show can be wildly different from the last one, so normally there is no normal! Being creative and taking on some big challenges is normal for us, that and moving a lot of chairs around setting up theatres in unusual spaces.
DI: How have you adapted to the social distancing measures?
L.A: Surprisingly well. When theatres first closed it felt like our industry had died overnight: we feel a huge sense of responsibility, though, to keep creativity thriving and to keep entertaining our audiences. Before the end of week one of lock down we had a production of The Tempest in rehearsals to perform over the Easter weekend; we're using Zoom in the most imaginative, interactive bonkers way. Theatre is different to film and TV because of its liveness and the shared space with the audience, so we're really excited about the scope to move that experience online.
DI: What are you planning for when things get back to normal?
L.A: We have several shows that were already in production - The Time Machine at The London Library in July and The Wizard of Oz at The North Wall at Christmas. With so much unknown, though, our focus is on the now, and creating high quality work made for and during the crisis.
DI: How can people support you now?
L.A: Buy tickets to The Tempest: Live Interactive and in Your Living Room, or if you have children, sign them up to our online Drama Club, Creation Home Delivery. [Please note: The Tempest's virtual run has now ended, but keep an eye on Creation's website for upcoming productions! - Ed.]
DI: What are you doing to relax while stuck at home?
L.A: I think I'm realising really how beneficial being stuck at home is. I'd been racing around working stupid hours for months leading up to this. Now I'm finding I have better work life balance. Finding clean school socks and getting my children to school on time was always the most stressful bit of everyday for me, so I am currently the most relaxed I've been in years!