DALE-based soprano Penny Randall-Davis hit the high notes in Barnard Castle town centre to highlight the plight of singers and other freelance artists across the country who have been without an income since March.
Ms Randall-Davis sang outside McNab’s bookshop as part of a week of events which saw those from the arts sector gathering in London’s Parliament Square to raise awareness of the plight of freelancers in the creative industries in the current crisis.
The lunchtime gatherings saw hundreds of dancers, comedians, performers, actors and technicians coming together to perform and share their skills.
On Friday, it was the turn of opera singers. Rather than travelt o London, Ms Randall-Davis, who chose to perform outside McNab’s.
The bookshop and adjoining No15 cafe were lit up in red – the trademark colour of the campaign.
Emma Rowell, manager of No 15 and McNab’s, said: “Teesdale is home to many freelance artists, performers and creatives who have been left high and dry by the Covid pandemic.
“We just need to be aware that this isn’t a problem limited to those in London but for people who are our friends and neighbours up here in the North East.”
