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, it’s the turn of Cindy Marcolina, a colleague of mine at Broadway World.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be writing or creating content about theatre?
I grew up watching theatre, I’ve always had a deep admiration for the craft and all its idiosyncrasies.
I did an entertainment studies degree and criticism was a big part of it. It sparked my interest and it all snowballed from there.
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 applied to write for BroadwayWorld in 2016 and started a decade-long collaboration with them.
What kind of shows do you cover, and in which geographical areas?
I cover plays and musicals in London, mainly.
How would you describe yourself (reviewer, critic, content creator, YouTuber, influencer, other?).
This seems to be a hot topic these days. I was invited to join the theatre section of the Critics’ Circle in 2020 and am now treasurer, so I identify myself as a critic.
Why do you continue to engage with theatre?
Because it’s one of the few artistic media that’s alive and unrepeatable. How lucky are we to experience being told a unique story in real time in front of our eyes.
What’s the one thing that would make the theatre reviewing/content creating space easier for you personally, and/or for your platform?
The critical spaces could be healthier. It’s not difficult for us to receive death threats, which is never fun.
Do you have a favourite show – and any you particularly dislike(d)?
I keep a list of shows that have stuck with me through the years.
There’s all kinds, from plays like Grief is the Thing with Feathers at the Barbican, in 2019 to musicals like Spring Awakening at the Almeida in 2021.
The theatre commentary space is wide and diverse – is there any other female reviewer/content creator you would recommend, and why?
Debbie Gilpin does amazing work at Mind the Blog. Her coverage is varied, thorough, and always engaging.
What’s the biggest change you have noticed in the theatre space since you started contributing to it?
The variety of voices that are being invited to contribute.
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 most active on X (@Cindy_Marcolina) and Instagram (@cindymarcolina).
Can you pinpoint one of your best reviews, features, or videos?
This is a tough one! I genuinely couldn’t say hahah!
How can people contact you who want to promote a show?
The best way to get in touch is via email: cindymarcolina@gmail.com
Thanks, Cindy!