Welcome to our new series ‘Performer Playlist‘ where performers from across all areas of theatre and live entertainment share with us the five songs that are currently helping them get through Lockdown/Isolation. Each performer will share with us their thoughts on each song and why it means so much to them, they will also share with us a unique cover version of one of the five selected songs performed in any style they wish.
Today’s playlist comes from Lauren Jacobs, originally born in Manchester. She studied Musical Theatre at The MTA in London and Graduated in 2016. Straight after graduating she was cast as Young Zoe in the workshops for The Take That Musical, The Band, written by Tim Firth. After finishing the workshops Lauren was delighted to be offered the role in the No1 UK Tour of The Band which ended in a 7 week Run on the West End at The Haymarket Theatre. Throughout the tour and West End the cast were frequently joined onstage for the Curtain call by Take That themselves and the run lasted for a year and a half. After finishing The Band Lauren Secured the lead role of Gerda in Hertford Theatre’s Christmas production of The Snow Queen.
Lauren’s Performer Playlist
True Colours – Cyndi Lauper
This song has been helping me through Lockdown for 2 reasons. One reason is that it is such a pure and beautiful song about seeing the beauty in others when they can’t see it in themselves which I think is something the world could use a little more of. And secondly, I have been learning the Ukelele and this is a fun song to help me learn to play and sing at the same time. Picking up my Ukelele has stopped me being bored and also means I will come out of this Lockdown with a new skill.
New Day – Take That
I Love this song. Having worked on the Take That Musical, it wasn’t difficult to become a Take That fan. Their music is uplifting and so catchy. New Day is such a positive song about always holding your head up and looking forward to what tomorrow will bring, which isn’t just a lesson for this Pandemic, it’s a lesson for life. And also it does bring me a bit of Nostalgia and good memories of my time working on The Band which was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
The Call – Regina Spektor
I adore this song. I find it really relaxing to listen to so it’s a good one for when I feel stressed or anxious. Its lyrics are simple and to the point. Things change, not always for the better, but if you focus on the things that matter like friends and family they will pull you through the hard times. It helps me to focus on the things I am lucky to have and how grateful I am to have them.
Don’t Lose Your Head – Six
This song doesn’t lyrically have anything that relates to the Lockdown but it gets me through because I love singing it, in the shower, in my bedroom. It’s funny and has a great beat that just puts me in a good mood. It’s upbeat and when the music really kicks in at the end it is especially great to rock out to like no one is watching and just let loose and have fun. We need to remember that the Lockdown is tough but we can turn that around and still have fun.
How Far I’ll Go – Moana
I have chosen this song because the character of Moana feels trapped and restricted like we all do right now. She is grateful for what she has but feels like there is more to look forward to in the future and I think her ability to dream and hope is exactly the way we need to look at this Lockdown. It isn’t forever and there will be good things after it ends. I like to put it on and think about the great things to come.
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