A BASINGSTOKER singer who has had to cancel 25 shows during lockdown is calling for the government to allow theatres and other entertainment venues to reopen.

Natasha Watts should have been on tour now, but numerous shows including in Germany, Greece and Italy have all had to be either cancelled or rescheduled because of the pandemic restrictions.

The singer, who has lost people to Covid-19, said safety has to be a priority, but she is failing to understand why people are allowed to visit pubs or go on an aeroplane, while concert and theatre venues remain closed.

“It’s hugely frustrating,” she told the Gazette. “First and foremost, we want everyone to be safe and I’m grateful to be healthy. I have lost people to Covid so it hit home a bit more, but we are still trying to get back to normality. Seeing pictures of different places opening, and now the pubs with congregations in Soho, how is that allowed but in an intimate setting with people sat two metres apart watching someone sing or play the piano isn’t allowed. It frustrates me.”

Natasha said she is financially okay because her husband is able to support her, but she said she needs to be able to perform for her mental wellbeing.

“I have lost a lot of money and I haven’t been able to get financial support because I have a limited company and I don’t do self-assessments,” she explained, adding: “But it’s not about the money. A lot of musicians don’t do it for money we do it because we love to perform. There’s £1.57b the government are giving to the arts, but that’s a broad spectrum. Will it go to people who really need it or will it go to the prestigious venues? A lot of the smaller venues are closing down.”

Natasha, who is a DJ on BBC Radio Berkshire, has still been able to record music, and her new single In Love is available to download for £2 on YouTube, the video of which was put together using photos sent in by her fans from their wedding day.

However, she misses being able to sing live, and said: “This isn’t about money, this is about my mental health because performing is my drug, it’s my happy place. I don’t do it for the money I do it to make people happy. I know musicians who are struggling, and I’m raising awareness for them.”

She added: “We are being forgotten about which is really sad. I’m in a lucky position because I have my husband, but others aren’t so I’m championing for them.”

For more information about Natasha visit natashawattsmusic.com.