At the start of all *waves hand around vaguely* this, there was a lot of talk about the great art we might create; how Shakespeare wrote some of his best work during the plague, blah blah blah.

Well, you can all relax now, and go back to eating the Trader Joe’s snacks. The pressure’s off, friends. I’ve found the King Lear for the coronavirus generation. Austyn Farrell dancing in the street in drag to ‘Proud Mary’ for the entertainment of his elderly neighbors is simply the greatest art to come out of this crisis. I’ve already watched this video about eight times and it’s impossible not to smile.

If anyone feels like picking up the baton and running with it down W47th St, I for one will be whooping from my fire escape. #obsessed

And if you're obsessed with the daily newsletter (I know some of you are, because you've been kind enough to tell us *blushes), pass it on to all your friends. They can sign up on the big yellow blob at the end of this email. (If you're still just receiving the Friday missive, you can also join in the daily action. The blob's for you too.)

NEW YORK STORIES
Cindy is facing a heartbreaking decision. After calling New York her home for 18 years, could it finally be time to leave? 

“I’ve never felt so torn,” she says. “New York isn’t just where I live, it’s who I am. It’s in my identity, my blood. Displaced from where my heart resides, who would I be? But is something that’s doomed to fail worth fighting for?”

An urban exodus was already being predicted before the pandemic struck. Now, with working from home the norm, and the major reasons to live in the city all but gone (Broadway! Brunch! Bars!), millennials are part of a massive demographic shift to more affordable, “second-tier” parts of the country.

We talk to the people affected by the current rent crisis  – tenants and a landlord – and ask if a rent strike or legislation will be too little too late. Read the story (and join the conversation) at w42st.com.

THINGS TO DO
Buy art for Bowery
One hundred and seven international photographers have donated their prints, to benefit the Bowery Mission. Each print costs $150, and all the proceeds will go to help those who are most vulnerable to Covid-19 – New Yorkers without a home. Browse here. 

Listen with Brené
There are so many truth bombs in this conversation with Dr Vivek Murthy, covering the epidemic of loneliness, and the physical and emotional toll that takes place when we're disconnected from each other, it's like  ... #mindblown. Hear here.

Read with Neil Gaiman
Every day this week, a chapter of Coraline has been read aloud by the author himself, and actors including Rosario Dawson, and Dakota Fanning. Tune in at 6pm.

Join the stars Under One Moon
To mark National Stuttering Awareness Week, Alex Brightman, Mariska Hargitay, James Monroe Iglehart, Helen Mirren, Kelli O’Hara, and many more will take part in the virtual benefit Under One Moon. Start watching at 6pm.

See Prince live
This epic three-day event is already underway, featuring footage from the singer’s 1985, concert at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY, band member Q&As, and more. Stream here. 

Join The Family at Home
The 2019 Feinstein’s 54 Below concert by Joe Iconis & Family will be streamed tonight. And Joe Iconis is NEVER a waste of time. Tune in here.

Go to the Jellicle Ball
Elaine Paige and Sir John Mills lead an all-star cast of Cats, which is being streamed to benefit charities leading the fight against COVID-19. Start watching this afternoon, here, with a live audio commentary from Andrew Lloyd Webber himself. Huzzah!

Have a happy hour
Last week I won an incredible pair of gold Wing & Weft gloves at this now weekly shindig. So when they say prizes, they really do mean good stuff. Join Tom and Henri at the Happy House from 7pm, kicking off with a celebration for frontline workers, followed by an hour of guest performances and gorgeous giveaways. Register here.

NAME GAME
In honor of all the celebrities welcoming us into their homes (virtually) during lockdown, I want to know your name, and your most memorable celebrity encounter.

I'll go first. Hello, lovelies, my name's Ruth, and I remember meeting the designer Paul Smith years ago in his London office. He was very lovely and admired my dress (it was Cos). That's it. That's all I've got. Your turn.