Many years ago, when I was at school and had a lot of free time, I had a blog. I would write about anything I felt like, it was messy, disorganised, a bit chaotic and having nothing to write about meant it was probably not the most interesting thing in the world to read either. But I loved to write and it gave me a platform to practice this, and it was somewhere I could see my writing progress. I stopped that blog because I didn’t have one ongoing thing I would want to write about, and I didn’t want to write for the sake of it.
Which brings me to now. I can not think of a better time for me to set up a new blog. I now have one thing I am deeply passionate about and could write about for centuries: the theatre. I always have loved the theatre, sure, but it is only in the last three years where theatre has become such a huge part of my life.
Granted I am a little bit busier now, being a full time university student, but writing a blogpost is a lot more constructive and and productive than just aimlessly scrolling through social media all the time, and I am very fortunate that I can manage my work-home life well so I have time for university, going to the theatre frequently, and writing.
I truly do believe the theatre is the most beautiful thing mankind has been able to create. For a few hours, people can suspend disbelief and leave their troubles of the world at the door and completely lose themselves. Be that in a story so entrancing you can forget the outside world exists, or in music so beautiful it can bring a tear to your eye, or even in just a fun evening out where a show can just make you smile for a bit, and that is more than enough.
As I said before, I am lucky enough to be able to go to the theatre frequently. I on average, tend to go to the theatre once a week, sometimes more – money and time dependent. I appreciate I am very lucky to be able to do this; I live in London so transport is not an issue for me, I live alone so once I have covered myself for rent and food for the month, whatever money I have left is at my own disposal. I know I am lucky, but I have worked hard for it, I appreciate it every single day, and I feel extremely grateful to be in a position where this is possible.
Having lived in London for nearly 3 years now, I have seen a large variety of shows. Musicals, plays, big west end shows, tiny off west end productions, immersive theatre, good shows, bad shows and outright weird shows. The list goes on. It is because of the amount of shows I have seen, and amount of plays I have read that I now feel I am in a position where I can watch a show with a critical eye. I have no qualifications, that I am aware of, but I have seen enough and gained enough life experience that I think I can give myself some credit and be able to critique a show. That’s not to say a show is bad, or even perfect. It’s just that I know I pay attention to detail and I am at a point where I can identify things that can improve a show, and I can identify things that make a show good, and sometimes even stand out.
So, here we are. A place where I can discuss all the thoughts I have about theatre. Reviews, thoughts about shows that I like, shows that aren’t my cup of tea, castings, shows I want to come here…the whole lot. Whether people choose to read is up to them, and if people disagree, that doesn’t have to mean arguments – discussing opinions is something I love doing, so I’m hoping by starting this, I can start discussions with people.
Theatre is such a big part of my life, and to be completely honest, it has changed my life. I’ve met so many people just through going to shows, it has given me friends I will have for life, and it has the most welcoming and inclusive community. Theatre is what I call my home. And that, in my humble opinion…is the most beautiful thing in the world.
One Show at a Time 