About Isolation Ensemble

One of the good things about theatre’s current dire straits is that so many people are generously volunteering their work to help raise money for the sector. One such project is Isolation Ensemble, which is supporting regional theatres. Their short film, devised by the company, features 26 brief snippets of young actors talking with insight and humour about their relationships, sharing snappy words of wisdom and the occasional moment of true feeling. It is directed by arts facilitator Abbie Riddell in response to the 2.6 Challenge started in April to help save UK charities. While the film can’t get over the constraints that the zoom format imposes, its heart is in the right place and its aim is laudable: to raise funds for four arts organisations: Birmingham Hippodrome, Belgrade Theatre, Royal Exchange Theatre and Wiltshire Creative (Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury International Arts Festival). The cast includes Sophie Powles (Emmerdale), Lucy Aarden (Game of Thrones) and Rianna Ash (War Horse), as well as recent acting graduates.

© Aleks Sierz

• Isolation Ensemble is on YouTube.

2.6 Challenge Abbie Riddell arts funding Belgrade Theatre Birmingham Hippodrome coronavirus devised theatre Isolation Ensemble Lucy Aarden Luke Palmer online theatre Rianna Ash Royal Exchange Manchester Salisbury Playhouse Sophie Powles streaming Wiltshire Creative