Christmas for many in the Entertainment industry is going to be very different this year – myself included. I will be one of the many who will be without work this Christmas – although I count myself lucky to have qualified for the Self Employed help from the Government (Unlike many of my colleagues – please support #ExcludedUK to push for assistance for those who have had nothing since March).

I have been fortunate to have worked on many shows over the Christmas period during my career to date – so I thought I would revisit some of them, to help remind myself and others that whilst the current situation is dire, there have been many moments of Christmas joy in the past, and will be again in the future – particularly now that vaccines appear to be on the way.

It will also give me a chance to re-connect with some of the wonderful people I have had the pleasure to work with, share some memories of those who are no longer with us, dig out some of the music I’ve written, and hopefully a few will join in the fun, and share some of their memories too. One of the most difficult things I have found to deal with during the pandemic has been the lack of a sense of direction, and I’m hoping this may help with my own and others mental health.

It’s a difficult and uncertain time for most people at the minute – but if anyone is in a position to help support others, you can do so via the M.U. and Equity hardship funds here:

Musicians Union Coronavirus Hardship Fund: https://musiciansunion.org.uk/Donate

Equity Benevolent Fund:https://www.equity.org.uk/about/benevolent-fund-subscriptions-solidarity/how-to-donate-to-the-benevolent-fund/

Bectu don’t appear to have a specific hardship fund, but you can find details of help on offer here: https://bectu.org.uk/coronavirus-support/

I will also share links to any venue fundraising where appropriate.

The first “Ghost” will be visiting shortly, so keep an eye on the GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST page here: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past/