Welcome to the seventh of a 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 Jolien Laeremans of Jolien’s Theatre Diary.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be writing or creating content about theatre?
I’m Jolien, and I run Jolien’s Theatre Diary. I originally started this platform to feel more connected to the musical theatre world, as I am from Belgium. In the beginning, I focused on documenting my trips to London and the shows I saw across
Belgium and the Netherlands.
During my time living in Dublin and London, I became more passionate about the ‘behind-the-scenes’ side of the industry. This led me to launch ‘Backstage Talks with Jolien‘, a series where I highlight the work of understudies, standbys, and ensemble members.
My mission now is to act as a bridge between the West End and the Benelux theatre communities, showing my audience what it’s really like to live and work in the industry abroad.
While in London, I also had the opportunity to attend many press events for Musical Theatre Review, which allowed me to network with peers and opened up incredible new doors for my own platform.
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 launched my platform almost three years ago, but it has evolved into a professional workspace over the last year. I wanted a name that felt personal and authentic; I wanted to document my journey and insights.
That’s how Jolien’s Theatre Diary was born; it’s a space where I can share the evolution of my career and the shows that
move me.
What kind of shows do you cover, and in which geographical areas?
My primary focus is musical theatre, though I am always happy to cover plays as well. Geographically, my work spans the UK (specifically London), Ireland (Dublin), Belgium, and the Netherlands.
How would you describe yourself (reviewer, critic, content creator, YouTuber, influencer, other)?
I see myself as a mix of a reviewer and a critic. To me, it’s about more than just ‘posting content’; it’s about having a real perspective on the industry. I’m currently in the process of applying for the Global Talent Visa, so it’s really important for me to show the Arts Council that what I do actually makes an impact.
I try to be as informative as possible, adding that critical touch to my reviews to show I really understand the field, rather than just being a fan in the audience. which is not always easy.
Why do you continue to engage with theatre?
Because theatre has always been there for me. Regardless of whether you are happy or sad, there is always a show that speaks to how you feel. Beyond the stage, it’s about the community; I love meeting new people and connecting with others who share that same passion as me.
What’s the one thing that would make the theatre reviewing/content creating space easier for you personally, and/or for your platform?
Living in London or Dublin! (Ha ha). In Belgium, the theatre world is quite small and very different from the London scene. In the UK, you feel more appreciated and seen as a creator. In the Benelux, it often feels like it’s purely about numbers and who you
know, whereas in London, they are much more open to letting new people in. It feels like one big, welcoming community.
Do you have a favourite show – and any you particularly dislike(d)?
Musicals that have truly stayed with me are Wicked, Ballad Lines, Dear Evan Hansen, and &Juliet.
The theatre commentary space is wide and diverse – is there any other female reviewer/content creator you would recommend, and why?
I really look up to the work of Rachel Reviewed and Theatre & Tonic. Their content is consistently inspiring and high-quality.
What’s the biggest change you have noticed in the theatre space since you started contributing to it?
Even though I’ve only been contributing professionally for about eight months, I’ve noticed a significant shift in how international the theatre world has become. People from Belgium or the Netherlands no longer travel to London just for a general city
trip; they are flying over specifically for a cast change, a closing night, or a limited run.
I am also thrilled to see so many Dutch and Belgian performers taking on leading roles in major West End productions. Alongside that, there’s a beautiful evolution in how we see understudies, swings, and standbys.
They are such an important part of the industry, and it’s amazing to see them finally getting the spotlight and the recognition they truly deserve.
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?
I’m mostly active on Instagram (@jolienstheatrediary), but I also have a website (www.jolienstheatrediary.com) where I post reviews, interviews, and news. When I post an interview, I also upload the audio to Spotify under ‘Backstage Talks With
Jolien.’
Can you pinpoint one of your best reviews, features, or videos?
On the last evening of my stay in London, I had the opportunity to interview Frances McNamee while she was in Ballad Lines. That show made a huge impact on me, and interviewing a cast member was a total full-circle moment.
It was an in-person interview, and she was so open and friendly! During our talk, people even stopped by to tell her how amazing she was. It was an unbelievable experience to feature her from an international perspective.
How can people contact you who want to promote a show?
Via Instagram or my email: jolienstheatrediary@gmail.com
Thank you, Jolien!