Gilly Hopper & Company

Theatre makers are used to pauses in their work.

But nothing could have prepared the industry for COVID-19.

We asked some of the UK's leading actors, directors and writers what happens when the stage falls silent: mid speech, at an interval, in between roles... during a pandemic.

Curated by writer and THESP founder Gilly Hopper, Intermission features personal, passionate and often moving words from:

Simon Callow, Tom Hollander, Harriet Walter, Adrian Scarborough, Tanya Reynolds, Russell Tovey.

All THESP and its contributors' proceeds from this book will go to Acting for Others.

Also featuring: Ivanno Jeremiah, Katherine Parkinson, Joseph Arkley, Inua Ellams, David Jonsson, Polly Bennett, Rebecca Frecknall, Taz Skylar, Ferdinand Kingsley, Ruthie Henshall, Luke Thallon, Sophie Thompson, Sinéad Matthews, Joanna Vanderham, Sam Yates, Eoghan Quinn, Priyanga Burford, Paul Ready, Meghan Tyler and Michelle Terry.

Words on Intermission

“Theatre affords us so much, but at its core theatre is about community and sharing. The idea for Intermission stemmed from both a desire to share (and share in) stories during a period of stagnancy and adversity, and a want to help raise funds for theatre workers in a time of need.

“The arts are the lifeblood of our society. They are not only important, they are vital.”

Q&A:

What is your favourite book?
I really treasure, and take comfort in, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. A wonderful story of ambition and adventure, I could read it over and over.

What is your favourite quote?
What is that unforgettable line?
- from Happy Days by Samuel Beckett

What's your favourite word?
Bardolatry.