Spreading Positivity in the Arts

There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding the arts at the moment and things are a little unsettling. So, I'm here to spread a little positivity and continue shining a light on our wonderful industry. And remind people just how much theatre means to each and every one of us.

I spoke with some of my fellow theatre lovers to find out how much the arts mean to them…

Q: When did you first fall in love with theatre?

Travelling Salesman: I had grown up in an am dram family. Gran doing costumes, Mum in the orchestra, Dad running front of house. I appeared on stage a couple of times before going backstage and once hitting backstage I never turned back!  

Q: What are your top 3 all-time favourite shows?

I’ve Bought Another Ticket: I have a soft spot for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Mary Poppins because they’re so nostalgic, feel good and full of colour. I also love Phantom and Les Mis.

Q: What inspired you to start a theatre blog?

The Dithering Dilettante: A couple of weeks ago, I was scrolling through my socials and realised that the main way people are trying to combat the mental health crisis brought about by lockdown is through creativity: I see friends who finally have time to sew, bake, run or learn TikTok dance routines. I can confirm that I am completely useless at all of those things, but lockdown provided me with so much amorphous free time that I could no longer put off what I’d always wanted to do: fling some opinions out into the digital ether in the hope that some people would read them and relate.

Q: If you could be a show character for a day, who would you be?

I’ve Bought Another Ticket: Probably Mary in Mary Poppins because she’s sassy and funny, has some great choreography and gets to fly across the theatre.

Q: In one sentence, can you sum up what theatre means to you?

I’ve Bought Another Ticket: Theatre is like going home. Whatever show you see and whatever theatre you’re at. You’re always amongst friends and in a safe place.

Travelling Salesman: Theatre is more than a passion, it’s really a way of life and gives me huge enjoyment and it’s my job at the same time – I couldn’t wish for more!

The Dithering Dilettante: I love theatre’s paradoxical ability to transport you into an unfamiliar world, but also act as a lens through which we can examine our own lives.

Thanks so much to Lizzie (I’ve Bought Another Ticket), Ben (Travelling Salesman) and Maia (The Dithering Dilettante) for getting involved. 

If you want to read more of this interview, head over to Holly’s Theatre Thoughts.