The theatre community consists of a wide range of diverse individuals. From the actors we see on stage, to the stage crew who hold the shows together, to the writers and composers who create our favourite shows. Recently the theatre community has seen an uprise in bloggers, vloggers and content creators who offer a different perspective on shows compared to the more traditional newspaper critics. In this interview, I ask one of my best friends and creator of the hugely successful blog Adventures In Theatreland just what makes this community so special.

Q) Please can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about you.

Hello, I’m Vicky and I’m the owner of Adventures in Theatreland. As my ‘muggle’ job, I am a nursery teacher, teaching 3-4 year olds in a private day nursery. If I’m not at the theatre, I enjoy reading or catching movies in the cinema. 

Q) What or who got you into theatre?

My first memories of being invested in theatre was when I was about 4-5 years old and I’d go visit my Gran and she would always have the classics like The Sound of Music or South Pacific on the TV – I would definitely say my Gran is responsible for my love of theatre! 

Q) Have you been in any productions and who did you play, how did you find this?

I was actually in an amateur dramatics society growing up and did lots of different shows (as the ensemble, due to lack of confidence and lack of talent) – but we did Rock Nativity, Aladdin, Annie and lots of others! I was then lucky to get my big break (haha!) where I played the Grandad role in Guys and Dolls, but the producers turned me into a Grandma and called me Agetha – I had a solo song and lots of lines to learn and it still torments me to this day! 

Q) Earliest memory of attending theatre?

So my earliest memory is probably on a school trip back in 2005 I think it was, when I went to London on a coach trip to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! I remember sitting up in the Gods but it was such a memorable experience! 

Q) How did you get into theatre reviewing?

It was actually yourself who inspired me to get into theatre reviewing and encouraged me to get in touch with a few teams. I joined a few but AIT took off really quickly so I didn’t really get the chance to review much before I focused on AIT. 

Q) How quickly did you know you wanted to set up your own blog?

I am so grateful for the opportunities we’ve received but I’ve got to be honest and say it all happened by chance. I created a theatre based instagram page just to document my own theatre trips and very quickly, we were beginning to receive press opportunities for my own account. So it happened very quickly, but it’s been the best experience and I’ve learnt so much in the process.

Q) What’s your favourite thing about Adventures in Theatreland?

My favourite thing about Adventures in Theatreland is absolutely the friends that I’ve made through the blog. I was very grateful to have lots of support from lovely people in the community who have been amazing at offering advice and helping me through the process of learning to run a theatre blog. However, I have gained such a big team in our short time of being blog and these people have all become amazing friends. I am so grateful to have such passionate writers for my blog and they have been such an important factor in the blog’s growth. 

Q) Proudest moment to date with the blog?

A couple of proud moments have been seeing the blog outside the Criterion Theatre and the Lyric Theatre. Our blog being on a poster in the tube station and on a digital poster outside of Leicester Square, and on the big screens at West End Live. Never in a million years would I have ever expected this to happen from a little blog that happened just by chance!

Q) What’s your favourite shows and venues?

One of my favourite venues is the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester. It’s such an intimate space but they have such an incredible way of bringing a production to life. RENT at the Hope Mill Theatre will forever be one of my favourite productions. I also love the Gillian Lynne – I’ve only visited there twice but I love the space and every seat is perfect.

In terms of favourite shows – Newsies at the Troubadour Theatre will forever hold a special place in my heart. I love Dear Evan Hansen, The Choir of Man, Hamilton and Moulin Rouge. However, last year, I discovered 42 Balloons and I don’t think my life has been the same since!

Q) What production are you most looking forward to in the year ahead?

The Great Gatsby – I am OBSESSED with The Great Gatsby. I love the story and the cast that has recently been announced is sublime. I am, however, not happy by the price tag! 

Check out my other interviews and make sure to support Adventures In Theatreland and follow their socials.