The pandemic has exposed a systemic issue within the performing arts, where the pressure to perform often overshadows the need for health considerations, resulting in long-term consequences for performers.

Emerging research reveals that COVID-induced dysphonia, characterized by inflammation and vocal fatigue, is becoming increasingly prevalent among vocal performers in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Studies indicate that 25% of COVID-19 patients experience vocal impairment, with as many as 70% suffering from long-term effects, complicating the recovery process for performers.

While the specific illness affecting the cast of a recent production was not disclosed, it is widely believed that COVID-19 played a significant role.

This incident underscores the ongoing repercussions of COVID-19 on live theatre, highlighted by the cancellation of four performances in November due to 'illness within the company'.

In a recent performance of Macbeth at the Harold Pinter Theatre, actress Rona Morison, portraying Lady Macduff, experienced a mid-monologue voice failure, prompting understudy Gemma Laurie to step in seamlessly.

High-profile artists such as Sam Smith and Steven Tyler have encountered career-threatening vocal injuries linked to COVID-19, illustrating a troubling trend within the industry.

The stigma surrounding vocal injuries in the performing arts discourages performers from reporting symptoms, contributing to an epidemic of vocal injuries exacerbated by economic pressures.

In response to these challenges, advocacy groups are calling for reforms in theatre practices, including improved air quality and more humane performance schedules to prioritize performers' health.

The legacy of COVID-19 continues to loom over the theatre industry, raising critical questions about the sustainability of performances in a post-pandemic landscape.