This week, we’re zoning in on how we can help ourselves, and others, during lockdown.
From a book raising funds for theatre workers to a new centre that brings together mental health and wellbeing services, help (both given and received) abounds.
READ THIS Intermission, compiled by THESP
Theatre fans will be keen to page through Intermission – a new book exploring what happens when the stage falls silent: mid speech, at an interval, in between roles… during a pandemic. Compiled by THESP, Intermission features words from some of the UK’s most-loved performers and directors, including Simon Callow, Tom Hollander, Harriet Walter, Tanya Reynolds, Inua Ellams and Russell Tovey. Each purchase features two books, packed with stories, essays, speeches, poems and more. Expect anecdotes of on-stage interruptions and pregnant pauses, tales of theatre closures and rallying messages of hope. The campaign is now live via The Pound Project and runs until December 1. THESP and its contributors’ proceeds from this book will go to Acting for Others, which provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need.
WEAR THIS BaileyXBudd
Laura Bailey, and her long-term creative collaborator, Cathy Kasterine, have partnered with Budd – the 100-year-old Mayfair-based, gentleman’s shirtmaker, famed for its bespoke expertise – to create a capsule collection that is just too shoppable. Delivering the perfect button down, we’re big fans of George – a design based on a traditional men’s stiff-bibbed dress shirt. The cream version (it also comes in black) features white linen cuffs, creating a fresh yet subtle contrast against the silk. We’ve a bit of a soft spot for Frank too – a hand-pleated neck band shirt in pink. Oh, and then there’s the poplin PJs and that dreamy Kitty nightshirt… Cut from Swiss superior cotton and hand-trimmed with scarlet piping; it’s positively scrumptious.
MAKE TIME FOR THIS The Soke
Mental health and wellness centre, The Soke, brings together wellbeing and mental health services with professional coaching and career development support, all under one roof. Spread over five floors, the fully integrated outfit combines reactive and preventative mental healthcare, with clients having access to a full spectrum of best-in-class, non-acute outpatient services including psychotherapy, psychiatry, counselling, and Leadership Development services.The Soke, based in South Kensington, will remain open during lockdown, as a necessary service.
WORKOUT IN THIS MANGO, Wellbeing Collection
The balance of body and mind is key to a good life. Mango’s Wellbeing Community – i.e. their new line of activewear – gets that balance just so. Their range of elegant workout clothing includes seamless leggings, sporty crop t-shirts, seamless bras, non-slip socks, ribbed cotton shorts, cute sport belt, knit jogger-style trousers, ballet wraps… suffice to say, the collection is extensive. Our favourites: the cashmere ribbed bodysuit and sporty crop sweatshirt in Colgate white. Available in a variety of dusty hues, we’re channelling our inner Francesca Hayward and purchasing a full dance kit to ensure we look the part for our next online barre class.
WATCH THIS The Undoing
The Undoing launched a couple of weeks back, and admittedly we were late to the game (read: couch) for this one. However, now we can play catch up with four of six episodes now aired and available for your immediate viewing. Created by David E. Kelley (of Big Little Lies). and starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant, Noah Jupe and Donald Sutherland, The Undoing focuses on Grace Fraser (Nicole Kidman), a successful therapist, her devoted husband, Jonathan (Hugh Grant), and their young son who attends an elite private school in NYC. Bad with spoilers, let’s just say a violent death, a missing spouse, and a chain of terrible revelations ensues… Watch it ASAP.
Any Questions or Tips to add?