A word with Chris

The pandemic might have closed theatres and film sets but actor Christopher Eccleston from Salford still won applause for his performance in praise of the NHS

- Susan Griffiths

The lockdown has brought the nation to a grinding halt across many industries, including TV, film, and theatre but Christopher Eccleston got rave reviews for a performance from his back garden.

His reading of a poem called Our Heroes, first on Radio 5Live and then on The One Show prompted an emotional response from across the country.

It was written by Matthew Kelly from Salford whose partner is a district nurse and is dedicated to the bravery of the NHS and frontline workers who’ve been tackling the coronavirus crisis.

‘I’m very fortunate and humbled and grateful for the NHS,’ says Eccleston. ‘It was an honor to be asked, and very moving to witness the response to the NHS. All credit to the poet. My hope is the next time the NHS is abused and mistreated by Boris Johnson and his Cabinet, the whole nation holds them to account.’

Salford-born Eccleston, who spent the lockdown at his home in London, adds: ‘I’m in a very privileged position as I live alone and have a back garden. I’ve so far avoided contracting the virus, as have my mother and children.

‘It’s had and will have a devastating impact on my industry and all industries. Theatre relies on large gatherings of people and I can’t see that happening for a long time. Many theatres and theatre companies will not survive.’