Max Bowden urges UK to support theatre industry during tough times

Max Bowden has urged people to support UK theatres and the arts during the coronavirus pandemic.

The \'EastEnders\' star has opened up about the lack of funding for the industry - which has seen venues closing down due to social distancing restrictions amid the current lockdown - and he is encouraging the public to find other ways of keeping them alive.

He told Metro.co.uk: "Theatre is at a dangerous part of its existence.

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"The likelihood of openings of public venues before 2021 is so small, and many companies are losing their funding and their business.

"Original theatre has been a massive part of my career and has always championed artists in every respect, and their work is worth seeing."

Max - who plays Ben Mitchell in the BBC soap - is showing support in his own way, as he reprises his role as Tipper for a production of Sebastian Faulks\' \'Birdsong\'.

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The show - based on the novel of the same name - follows a group of soldiers in the trenches, and the public will be treated to an abridged virtual production, with a full cast, next month.

Rachel Wagstaff\'s adaptation will be streamed online on July 1, which commemorates the 104th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

Max added: "It\'s a pleasure to put the uniform of Tipper back on and create some art during lockdown. I urge everyone to watch it, a lot of work has gone into it!"

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As well as introducing and narrating the play itself, author Faulks will also deliver a special reading from his novel during the interval.

The Original Theatre Company\'s Artistic Director Alastair Whatley - who has also directed \'Birdsong\' - has encouraged people to tune into a production.

He said: "Never has this incredible story had more to offer and we wanted to find a way to share it at what is a very difficult time for so many people.

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"The Battle of the Somme began on 1 July 1916, and, 104 years later to the day, we hope people will join with us and come together to remember, reflect and experience something we hope will be a little bit special."