Welcome to the next in 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 Emma Clarendon at Love London Love Culture, which now covers all the best things about the arts in London (and beyond!)/
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be writing or creating content about theatre?
I came to writing about theatre after doing theatre up until AS level, when I discovered I might be better at writing about theatre than performing it! After that, I joined a website (sadly no longer in existence) after university and gained contacts in the theatre world that way, and I haven’t looked back since!
If you have your own platform, when did it start and how did you come up with the name?
I started Love London Love Culture in 2015! I came up with the name as my love of London and the culture it has fuelled my soul (I’m sounding theatrical right now!) for such a long time. After the website came my Facebook, Instagram and tentative TikTok socials…
What kind of shows do you cover, and in which geographical areas?
I cover a range of shows off-West End, and in the West End – but would love to do more ballet and opera!
How would you describe yourself (reviewer, critic, content creator, YouTuber, influencer, other)?
I describe myself as a critic, to be as objective as much as possible, to ensure that the reader gets a balanced view.
Why do you continue to engage with theatre?
Engaging with theatre is so important – it makes you laugh, cry and engage with the human experience from a wide range of perspectives.
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 theatre-going space easier for my platform is having more time to experience more of it – with a full-time job, it’s a bit difficult!
Do you have a favourite show – and any you particularly dislike(d)?
Favourite shows? Oh goodness – too many to name: Hadestown, The Producers and Guys and Dolls for a start! Play-wise – I love Mischief’s The Play That Goes Wrong and Marie & Rosetta! It’s rare that I dislike anything, but I do find it difficult to engage with anything absurdist (although James MacDonald’s production of Waiting for Godot starring Lucian Msamati and Ben Whishaw was an exception to the rule!)
The theatre commentary space is wide and diverse – is there any other female reviewer/content creator you would recommend, and why?
Absolutely – there are plenty of incredible female reviewers out there, including, of course, LouReviews! Alongside Theatre & Tonic and Rewrite This Story! Their enthusiasm/ passion for theatre is incredible!
What’s the biggest change you have noticed in the theatre space since you started contributing to it?
The biggest change is just how much diversity there is in theatre! Yes, there is still a way to go, but change is happening in terms of the stories and the people whose stories are being told!
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?
Social media: I can be found on Facebook, Instagram and tentatively on TikTok!
Can you pinpoint one of your best reviews, features, or videos?
I have had so much fun over the last decade plus one year! To pick a best one isn’t for me to say – it all depends on my readers.
If people want to contact me lovelondonloveculture@gmail.com is the best way.