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 Christine at RatedReviewed.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be writing or creating content about theatre?
Have always loved the theatre ever since I was a kid and my mum took me to shows during school summer holidays. Now, writing about shows I’ve seen feels like second nature because I always have so many thoughts and feelings when I leave a show, that it’s impossible not to jot them down!
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 used to write for a site called Remote Goat years ago, which was a platform that allowed shows to request reviews directly with bloggers registered on the site. That unfortunately closed down, and I started writing for The Reviews Hub, which I still contribute to occasionally.
In 2023, I decided to set up RatedReviewed, and I am so glad I did because it’s given me the opportunity to review so many shows over the past few years. The name was a no-brainer for me, everything on there has been rated and reviewed – nice and simple!
What kind of shows do you cover, and in which geographical areas?
I cover big shows, small shows, plays, musicals, comedy, cabaret, circus, film festivals, events – a real mixed bag! I only cover London at the moment as that’s where I live and work.
How would you describe yourself (reviewer, critic, content creator, YouTuber, influencer, other)?
I’d definitely go with reviewer – critic always feels too harsh/serious a title as I always try to find at least one positive in everything I review, and I’m not involved enough on social media to class myself as a content creator or influencer!
Why do you continue to engage with theatre?
I continue to engage because it’s my favourite way to spend my time. Despite reviewing theatre for so long, it never gets repetitive; everything I go to and/or review is different, which keeps it fresh, fun and exciting.
What’s the one thing that would make the theatre reviewing/content creating space easier for you personally, and/or for your platform?
If I had more time! I’m fortunate to get invited to so many things, and I would love to be able to attend them all. Having to say no because I’m already booked or unavailable is always a real struggle and frustration for me.
Do you have a favourite show – and any you particularly dislike(d)?
Six or The Comedy About Spies are two of my favourite West End shows – love the energy!
I also loved shows like Two Come Home, Police Cops and Cockfosters: watching them earlier on in their journey and then seeing them expand and continue their run later down the line is always great because there are some fantastic shows that really deserve more eyes on them!
There have been a few I didn’t like – but one thing I love about theatre is how subjective it is, seeing other people rave about shows I wasn’t keen on is always intriguing, and I love seeing their opposing points of view.
The theatre commentary space is wide and diverse – is there any other female reviewer/content creator you would recommend, and why?
So many! LouReviews (obv!), The Reviews Hub, Rachel Reviewed, Lisa in The Theatre, Curtain Call Reviews – I’m constantly on their sites / Instagram pages checking out their reviews because they have some great insights!
What’s the biggest change you have noticed in the theatre space since you started contributing to it?
I think the rise of immersive / dine-along / unconventional location theatre is probably the thing that stands out the most. Compared to years ago, it feels like there is a lot more now, which is great
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 Instagram – I occasionally post reviews on X as well, but I’m rubbish with social media, I should really step my game up and start doing reels or get on TikTok!
Can you pinpoint one of your best reviews, features, or videos?
I’m very bad at tooting my own horn, haha – couldn’t possibly pick one, but definitely find 5-star reviews the easiest to write because there’s so much to compliment.
How can people contact you who want to promote a show?
Via email at RatedReviewed@outlook.com