Welcome to the fourth of a new series celebrating female colleagues who engage with theatre as critics, reviewers, bloggers or content creators. I am using ‘theatre’ to encompass all live arts performances, and ‘reviewer’ to cover all those who add commentary on what they see.
The master list is at: https://loureviews.blog/spotlight-on-female-theatre-reviewers-bloggers-critics-and-content-creators/
If you would like to be profiled as part of this project, please get in touch.
Today, I turn my attention to Lizzie of I’ve bought another ticket.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be writing or creating content about theatre?
I started theatre blogging and posting on Instagram in 2018. I used to go to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton regularly with my Mum, and on the way home, we used to chat in depth about what we liked, what we’d change and of course, after going through the theatre brochure, what we wanted to see next!
If you have your own platform, when did it start, and how did you come up with the name? If you write for one or many platforms, which was the first, and how did you become involved with it?
I came up with the name after my friend made a comment about me going to the theatre again and spending all my money on tickets.
I’ve reviewed a lot of shows for Chichester Festival Theatre as a young ambassador. I was part of their Prologue team promoting their season to younger people (16-30), so I would write reviews and website content as well as make TikTok’s and be part of their events. I got to meet a lot of people within the industry and interview so many interesting people.
What kind of shows do you cover, and in which geographical areas?
I live in Hampshire, so I regularly visit the Mayflower, New Victoria Woking, Kings Theatre Southsea and CFT. And not too far from London and Brighton.
I tend to write more about musicals. But I like to try and document on TikTok whatever I see (play, concert etc)
How would you describe yourself (reviewer, critic, content creator, YouTuber, influencer, other)?
I would describe myself as a content creator despite starting as a blogger. I work in content creation and marketing, and since getting the job, I have just naturally drifted away from blogging.
Why do you continue to engage with theatre?
I continue to engage with theatre because one of the most magical things to experience. It’s always changing and adapting to the world we live in. The post show high is addictive! I love how subjective it is and how everyone shares their own experiences of shows and why they like or dislike certain things.
It’s so complex and has so many layers and endless topics for discussion – actors, music, theatre venue, costume, make-up, set, etc. Even down to where is best to sit in the theatre! I just find it so interesting.
I think about when I started writing about theatre to now, it’s crazy how much has changed and how new pieces of theatre have come along and revolutionised tradition.
What’s the one thing that would make the theatre reviewing/content creating space easier for you personally, and/or for your platform?
The one thing that would make content creation easier would be clear filming and photography pre-show (Greatest Showman stickers if no filming, etc.). Regional theatres especially seem to have their own rules despite the shows sharing curtain call content!
Do you have a favourite show – and any you particularly dislike(d)?
My favourite show is Mary Poppins. I really didn’t like Top Hat, which is sad because I really had high hopes!
The theatre commentary space is wide and diverse – is there any other female reviewer/content creator you would recommend, and why?
I love Theatre and Tonic, Rachel Reviewed, Lilly Cardigan on TikTok. I think they’re very positive for the industry and aren’t afraid to speak up about issues. They’re very honest with reviews – not looking for shock factor or clickbait, etc.
What’s the biggest change you have noticed in the theatre space since you started contributing to it?
The biggest change I think is shows such as Paddington and Evita making theatre regular front page news, which is incredible. And therefore encouraging more people to share their experiences of seeing these shows. (Rachel on the balcony of the Palladium, etc.)
And which social networks are you most active on? If you are not on any, what is your opinion of their place in theatre reviewing/content creation?
Most active on TikTok and definitely the app I enjoy the most for theatre-related content.
Can you pinpoint one of your best reviews, features, or videos?
I really love the video I took at the BFG curtain call. It’s such a magical show, and the final moments bring it all together!
How can people contact you who want to promote a show?
They can contact me through my Instagram dm’s or iveboughtanotherticket@outlook.com.
Thank you, Lizzie!