Camilla Kerslake: 'Vital' small and regional theatres must be protected in wake of coronavirus pandemic

Camilla Kerslake has said “vital” small and regional theatres must be protected in the wake of the pandemic.

The singer, 32, said she “grew up” performing in smaller venues and it would be “heartbreaking and damaging” if they were wiped out.

London-born Kerslake said: “I have grown up in these regional theatres. They are vital. A lot of West End shows are tried out in the regions. You can put on a show for a fraction of the cost.

“We have to support them. It would be heartbreaking and so damaging to lose them.” Many regional theatres have benefited from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

However, several, including the Theatre Royal Plymouth, have announced mass redundancies following Covid as they cannot afford to open while maintaining social distancing guidelines.

Kerslake, who is married to ex-England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, said many were accepting grants from the Government “through gritted teeth”.

She added: “[The Government] has given out [grants] but it is outrageous that we’re not fully back in business.

“A lot of institutions, when they get the money, they then have to grovel, ‘Thank you so much, thank you for your support.’ But it is through gritted teeth.”

She is performing in the upcoming On Behalf Of A Madman, which she described as “a theatre show with opera in it.” She plays a Fox news anchor who broadcasts footage showing misbehaviour from a West Wing staff party.

Its opening night at Maltings Theatre in St Albans will be on November 3, the day of the US presidential election.

It is directed by Julia Mintzer and is an original script by Charles Ogilvie and conducted and arranged by Thomas Payne of the Royal Opera House.

Tickets are available here.