Welcome back to my 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 feature Rachel at Rachel Reviewed!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be writing or creating content about theatre?
I’m Rachel, a born & raised South Londoner who works full-time in Local Government. Ever since I was young, I’ve always loved theatre, especially musicals.
I used to love performing at school and will never forget a school trip to my first West End show – Wicked! I studied English Language and Literature at uni and used to do a bit of creative writing in my spare time.
In 2021-22, I was seeing a lot more theatre than usual, sharing my thoughts on shows over on Instagram stories. I thought, ‘maybe I should create a separate website/social media page for this…’
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 Rachel Reviewed in 2022. I mostly review theatre but chose the name as it could be used for other areas I’m interested in (travel, music, activities).
I used to write for Lost in Theatreland before I began my own platform. I found them through Twitter (X) when they posted a callout for reviewers. I also occasionally write for WhatsOnStage!
What kind of shows do you cover, and in which geographical areas?
I cover all types of shows – musicals, plays, cabaret, AmDram. I mostly review shows in London; I’m fortunate to live locally as the city has an incredible variety of shows (I couldn’t believe there were pub theatres when I first started reviewing!?)
How would you describe yourself (reviewer, critic, content creator, YouTuber, influencer, other?).
I would describe myself as a content creator/theatre blogger. I share written reviews, as well as video/voiceover reviews for Instagram & TikTok.
Why do you continue to engage with theatre?
Because I love it! I love being shown and connecting to stories from different voices & experiences. I also love celebrating the efforts that go into making theatre.
I recently saw a Disney musical – while I didn’t feel like I was the right target audience, I was absolutely captivated by the creative elements. From lighting to puppetry to makeup, to the gorgeous, detailed costumes!
Theatre is fascinating; it entertains, it educates, and I continue to engage because it brings me joy.
What’s the one thing that would make the theatre reviewing/content creating space easier for you personally, and/or for your platform?
Many people assume I only receive comp/gifted tickets, but this isn’t always the case. I am in a privileged position where I can buy tickets to shows, but I often do not receive as many invites as my peers.
The theatre reviewing/content creating space would be a little easier if there were transparency, honesty, and equity. Having said this, I am not doing my page solely for the invites – I’m doing it for my passion, which I hope is reflected in my work!
Currently, we’re in a weird space where people are infatuated by numbers – focused on how many likes/comments/followers they have (to the point where they purchase bots) – rather than the quality of content/reviews they are sharing. Perhaps this is a conversation for another day!
Do you have a favourite show – and any you particularly dislike(d)?
I have many favourite shows! Hamilton is my #1 fave musical of all time.
For Black Boys and Shifters (joint first place!) are some of my favourite plays. Seeing their journey from smaller, off-West End theatres to the West End was incredible. Shifters even headed to New York this summer – so happy for them!
Also…I’m a big fan of Jamie Lloyd. His production of Sunset Blvd will go down in theatre history! I also loooved Cyrano, The Effect and Much Ado About Nothing.
The theatre commentary space is wide and diverse – is there any other female reviewer/content creator you would recommend, and why?
Afridiziak cover all things Black theatre and is run by a wonderful woman named Sophia. I especially enjoy their interviews! Similarly with The Rendition – I love their newsletters & content – it’s always informative, fun, and unique.
Kat Rebecca Masterson brilliantly covers the Edinburgh Fringe. I’m in awe of the work she does; it makes me want to visit the Fringe! She also covers regional theatre, which I enjoy reading about.
Kristina of West End Notes shares wonderful, and accessible, short-form content, & also has a YouTube channel. She often does a “5 reasons to watch ____” video which is always great to check out when I’m looking for shows to see.
Nishat runs a theatre merch website called Letters to July, as well as sharing theatre content. I especially enjoy her South Asian Theatre recommendations, but also her editing is top tier – it’s so so creative and definitely someone who inspires me!
Brianna of Stalls to Stage is so multi-faceted – she has a website, a podcast, and hosted an awards show. Her contribution to the theatre space is certainly diverse, but most of all, inclusive. She creates content that is accessible to all and is also unique, with a percentage rating of the shows she has watched.
I love how she interviews the podcast guests – it always feels like a warm, friendly and refreshing conversation! I have been lucky enough to record with her, and it was such a lovely experience!
What’s the biggest change you have noticed in the theatre space since you started contributing to it?
A small change – why are so many shows 2 hours, and no interval? It may not be a big change, but I have noticed it, and it does put me off!
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 and TikTok!
Can you pinpoint one of your best reviews, features, or videos?
My content around Shifters was the first feature that came into my mind. I felt strongly about the show for many reasons – a Black female playwright, Black leads, characters with African heritage, the comedy, the romance. Honestly, it was my perfect show! So getting the chance to interview Benedict Lombe, Heather Agyepong and Tosin Cole was a blessing and, in my eyes, my best feature!
How can people contact you who want to promote a show?
Thanks, Rachel!