The Lockdown List

If you’d have told me in March of this year that I would be spending the next four months pottering around my flat in Surrey, I wouldn’t have believed a word of it. Yet, this is our current reality, our new normal and if I’m being truthful – I haven’t hated it. So often, my job as an actress takes me away – a total privilege, I know! – and I have relished getting to spend time at home with my love and allowing myself to not feel guilty about this.

During our 2020 hibernation, I’ve indulged myself in all sorts of media – honestly, you name it and I probably watched it. Whilst this post isn’t an ode to Tiger King, (which I found almost unwatchable – the memes were far superior to the programme content in my humble opinion), I did want to share with you some of my favourite books, series and films that have helped soothe my anxiety during the last few months.

• Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams – I adored this novel and raced through the chapters each morning with my coffee. I normally only allow myself time to read for pleasure during the daytime when on holiday. Am I the only one who does this? Lockdown has allowed me to reframe that thinking. Why should my reading be earned? Especially when the story is this good! I lent it to E the moment I finished it, I know Queenie’s story will bring as much joy and laughter to her as it did to me.
• For Sama by Waad Al-Kateab and Edward Watts – Ok, this is not an easy watch but worth every second. This BAFTA Award winning documentary follows filmmaker Waad as she becomes a mother during the uprising in Syria. I watched this on a day that everything felt a little overwhelming and I’m so glad I did. The fortitude and bravery she shows is so inspiring and hearing Waad talk about her beloved Aleppo really struck a chord.
• Most Haunted – I’ve managed to consume all 21 seasons of this so far. I’m a creature of habit and I love nothing more than getting into a routine with a series, watching an episode before bed. I actually delayed watching Line of Duty until it had a good few seasons behind it so that I could shoehorn it into my system. I am fascinated by anything paranormal and love a good horror film. I inherited this from my Dad, not from E – she prefers a costume drama to a chiller diller.

And finally, we have both indulged in some nostalgia thanks to Disney+. We split the subscription between us and have both loved catching up on our favourite childhood movies. The animated ones were always my favourite and I’ve made it my mission to watch every single one, in order, before the year is out. I did cheat and watch The Rescuers early doors but it’s my numero uno!

What’s been keeping you happy during the lockdown? ~L.