PERFORMERS, backstage staff and front of house workers breathed a sigh of relief today after the government announced it was pumping a £1.57 billion support package into the arts to help protect the futures of UK theatres, galleries, museums and other cultural venues.

But the warning has gone out that the putting cash aside alone isn't the answer as the industry respond to the coronavirus pandemic – it's the way that the money is distributed that will be key.

Thurrock-born Rob Seaman is one of hundreds – if not thousands – of borough residents who earn a living in the arts, many travelling to theatres and arts venues in London.

Ron is currently assistant director of animation on the new staging of Disney's 'Mary Poppins' musical which was just starting what was expected to be a long and successful at the Prince Edward Theatre when the pandemic blacked out theatreland.

As lockdown dragged through March, April, May and June with no sign of the arts those connected with the arts and entertainment industry drew increasing worried about the future and pressure was growing on the government to do something positive.

With marches and protest action planned the government has bowed to the pressure and the culture secretary Oliver Dowden announced an emergency support package which will include grants and loans would aim to preserve "crown jewels" in the arts sector, and many local venues.

Independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues will also be eligible for a share of the cash which Mr Dowden described as "new money designed to last through this financial year".

He said the two broad aims of the package were to preserve "crown jewel" venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and national galleries, while also helping local institutions across the UK.

But Mr Seaman say the key to saving his industry is to deal with the people that make it happen, not just the institutions.

Speaking to Thurrock Nub News outside Grays' own 'hidden gem', the Thameside theatre, he said: "We were going to protest this weekend, outside local venues like the Thameside and in Trafalgar Square because we are on our knees. We are still, to a large extent, though without this announcement I could see loads of venues going to the wire.

"It's absolutely brilliant that the government have decided to bail us out but it's a little bit too late for the people that have already lost their jobs and the theatres that have closed. And some probably won't come back.

"It's really import that people realise that the arts isn't just about people dancing on stage, or acting stage or singing on stage, and entertaining, it's the departments that follow those people, crews, stage management, wardrobe, wigs, lighting, sound, and then all the other industries that support the theatre and live music in general. The builders, the set designers, the lighting contractors etc etc - it's just vast, it's not just what happens on stage. A lot of those people are freelances and they haven't had a penny.

"This is where the money needs to go to ensure we have an industry when the pandemic is over."

Rob also spoke about his route to the West End growing up in Thurrock and his passion and hopes for artistic Thurrock in general, saying: "Thurrock is a bit of a hot spot for the creative industry, you've got the Royal Opera House just down the road, some fantastic amateur groups that come here to the Thameside and so many dance groups, it's a cultural hub."

In our interview he expanded on his own connection with the Thameside and his thoughts and its future – and performing arts in the borough. And called for more thought and investment to be given to ensuring the success of the Thameside – or possibly its successor venue.