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 Bianca, who writes at A Shiny Life For Me.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be writing or creating content about theatre?
When I moved to London a dozen years ago, I started attending theatre very regularly; there are just so many shows to see in the city! I wanted to document my adventures while also telling others about all the wonderful theatrical experiences, especially fringe theatre, which tends not to get widespread coverage.
Most of all, I aimed to bring across what emotions these shows evoke, what the experience of watching them feels like, so I started my blog and wrote with an audience perspective focus.
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 started my Shiny Life blog in 2014, initially wanting to share my London adventures, but gradually moving more towards mainly reviewing theatre. I suppose the name choice was a combination of wanting to experience all the shiny, exciting adventures moving to London promises, and striving to forge a life that actually makes me happy.
In hindsight, I’m not certain it was the most intuitive choice for a review blog, after all, it doesn’t feature “theatre” or “west end” in the title as most do, but it still feels true to myself, fluttering through life enthusiastically captivated by the shiny new adventures ahead, a culture magpie so to say.
What kind of shows do you cover, and in which geographical areas?
I am open to seeing pretty much anything. I have a very varied taste and love jukebox musicals as much as experimental fringe theatre. Big favourites are immersive theatre and musicals, as well as horror and niche fringe shows, and I do tend to prefer new writing or modern updates to the classics. I generally cover all of Greater London, and occasionally book theatre in other places while I travel.
How would you describe yourself (reviewer, critic, content creator, YouTuber, influencer, other)?
I generally describe myself as a reviewer or theatre blogger. As I specialise in the audience perspective, with a focus on emotional impact, accessible writing free from jargon or spoilers, and shorter write-ups, I don’t think my work can be compared to that of a traditional critic.
It doesn’t aim to evaluate a show on its artistic merit or historical impact, but rather to give potential audiences an idea of what they can expect.
Why do you continue to engage with theatre?
Theatre has become such an intrinsic part of my life: there is nowhere else I feel as fulfilled and mentally engaged as I do in a darkened auditorium. There is such a rich tapestry of theatre in London, from experimental shows in pub theatres, playing passionately to very small audiences, over challenging contemporary pieces examining current cultural, social, and political trends, to the large West End productions that dazzle and entertain.
There’s something for everyone out there! I would like to think that I can help audiences find their perfect fit by reviewing this wide variety of shows on offer.
Do you have a favourite show – and any you particularly dislike(d)?
I don’t have a favourite show as such; there are just too many shows out there that I love, but recent favourites include A Ghost In Your Ear at the Hampstead Theatre, It Walks Around The House At Night at the Southwark Playhouse, and The Importance Of Being Earnest at the National Theatre.
Definitely don’t talk to me about Jamie Lloyd’s Romeo & Juliet, though, unless you want to hear me rant about one of the worst productions I’ve ever had to sit through…
The theatre commentary space is wide and diverse – is there any other female reviewer/content creator you would recommend, and why?
Katie McConnell’s content around theatre is great; she’s a disability advocate, dancer, and theatre enthusiast who shares so much information on accessibility in theatre. Her West End on Wheels series is fantastic; it sees her collaborating with West End productions to adapt choreographies for wheelchair users, showing that mobility aids can and absolutely should be part of dance-heavy productions.
What’s the biggest change you have noticed in the theatre space since you started contributing to it?
Like most people, the biggest change I have noticed is ticket prices and stunt casting. Especially West End productions are becoming increasingly unaffordable, which is a shame as theatre is such a valuable cultural institution that should be accessible to everyone.
On a more positive note, I have also noticed that more amateur reviewers are sharing their opinions freely, adding to the variety of different reviews and perspectives available. It’s great to see so many new and young reviewers entering the space.
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, mostly engaging with theatre-related accounts, from shows to reviewers to avid theatre goers.
Can you pinpoint one of your best reviews, features, or videos?
I strive to make all my reviews engaging and balanced, so I’ll just point you to a review for one of my favourite shows this year so far. https://www.shinylife.co.uk/2026/01/12/a-ghost-in-your-ear/
How can people contact you who want to promote a show?
The easiest way to get a hold of me is through email bianca@shinylife.co.uk, though I also respond to Instagram.