Matt Hemley
@MattHemley
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Deputy editor @TheStage. World's number one Gloria Estefan fan.
Joined June 2009
I came into work today and my colleagues said they had a present for me for my 40th tomorrow. This actually blew me away - a personalised message from @GloriaEstefan! My life is made. and I officially have the best colleagues @TheStage.
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Theatres in the West End dim their lights in honour of Maggie Smith ❤️
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Sorry but if you tell me you don’t get musicals because “people don’t break out into song in real life” then you’re hanging out with the wrong people.
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I’ll never win any prizes for my baking skills but my daughter asked for a cat face cake for her 8th birthday and so I created this. It took most of my evening last night, is an utter mess BUT it’s made with love ❤️
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Oh dear. A culture secretary who doesn’t even know which theatres his own culture recovery fund supported
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Thank you @piersmorgan & @susannareid100 for challenging this. My daughter has two dads & I want her to live in a world where seeing same-sex couples on a dance show doesn’t cause offence
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How loud do you think you’ll cheer when the house lights dim on your first trip back to the theatre? How long do you think you’ll clap when the cast take their bows at the end of that show? I think about this a lot & it’s going to feel AMAZING!.
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I totally understand the theatre industry anger over images of snooker at the Crucible. It may well have been a pilot event for sports, but at the London Palladium theatre pilot we were all masked up for two hours straight. Why the different rules @OliverDowden?
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The moment the lights went out in the West End for Sondheim ❤️
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Omg! Starlight Express performer delivers a letter to Downing Street outlining theatre's demands on the new government. Could there be any other way?! @SOLTnews @uk_theatre .
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Just been to a restaurant and these were in the loos. So tempting. But then I remembered Jean Valjean got 19 years just for stealing a mouthful of bread and thought better of it
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Anyone who thinks performing is low skilled clearly didn’t see 42nd Street at Drury Lane.
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Today in the park a little girl asked my daughter which one of us was her dad. My 5-year-old first pointed at my partner. Then she pointed at me. Then she turned to the other girl & declared loudly “I have 2 daddies!”. I don’t think I’ll ever stop being proud of her!.
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Cameron Mackintosh’s response to the musicians who have lost their jobs due to the Phantom orchestra cuts is heartless, insensitive & shows utter contempt for the talent who have made the show the success it was. So disappointing
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This is possibly the most touching programme note I've seen. Makes watching the show even more moving. @PippinLDN
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West End theatres will dim their lights for 2 minutes tonight at 7pm in memory of Angela Lansbury
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The polite answer to this is, none of your f**king business
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Spoke to my mum. She told me Oliver Dowden lives just up the road from her, and then asked me if I wanted her to go and have a word. He does not want to mess with my mum.
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Absolutely delighted & honoured to have been made deputy editor of @thestage. In my 15th year with The Stage, I’m going to embrace this role with renewed vigour & determination to represent this brilliant company, and the amazing industry that is theatre!.
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Coming out at 20, my mum cried thinking she'd never see me married or have kids. Done both of those now. Happy pride! #PrideInLondon.
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Statement from producers of Player Kings following Ian McKellen’s fall:
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We both walked our daughter to school today. As the kids lined up, they all started shouting bye to their parents. "Bye mummy," yelled one. "Bye daddy," yelled another. Then, louder than anyone, our daughter: 'Bye daddies!'. Felt quite proud, I tell ya.
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I’ve avoided wading into the theatre vs football row until now, but the scenes in the West End tonight are sickening. To see theatres that have been clinging on to survival for a year & a half treated like this simultaneously breaks my heart & enrages me. Utterly appalling.
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A final thought on Phantom. How long before other shows decide they can make do without certain instruments? Until orchestra pits are so greatly reduced that shows are essentially performed to backing tracks? A slippery slope in my opinion. They’re called musicals for a reason.
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So Madonna made every audience member deposit their phone into a pouch, which was then sealed & reopened on leaving the Palladium. No fuss - quick & effective. It meant the show was free from horrid screen lights & everyone was in the moment. Something for theatres to consider?.
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I’m so heartbroken about this. I’ve worked at The Stage for 13 years & I love it wholeheartedly. The people I work alongside are the best. The industry is collapsing - and we are part of it, so inevitably it’s impacted us. Keep supporting, please, and keep fighting ❤️.
As a direct result of the Covid-19 crisis, we regret to announce The Stage is entering into a period of redundancy consultations.
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I’ve walked home. Very teary, trying to make sense of it all. Writing for The Stage isn’t just a job. It’s a passion. Tonight my heart has broken for all my friends working in the industry. For audiences who’ll miss out. I know we’ll bounce back. But tonight I just want to cry.
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Watching the BAFTAs and wishing the Olivier Awards had a prime time slot like this so the theatre industry got the respect it so richly deserves. After the two years we’ve had wouldn’t it be great if theatre had that kind of spotlight next month? 💪👏.
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Coup for the Brits to get Craig David tonight. He's usually making love on a Wednesday #BRITs2016.
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It’s easy to knock Lloyd Webber - his musicals don’t appeal to all, his political stance certainly doesn’t. But I 100% believe that when it comes to fighting for theatre he’s doing it because of his genuine passion & love for it. And that he wants all theatres open. Not just his.
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I walk past this street behind Waterloo fairly often and love it. I’m pretty sure it’s used in TV & films when historic London is depicted. It’s a little slice of days gone by!
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One of my favourite moments from today - the band at Buckingham Palace playing songs from @MammaMiaMusical. It sounded brilliant!
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We do know that it was the threat of my mum going round to have a word with Oliver Dowden that did it really, don’t we?!.
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Ludicrous to think that this morning there are 60 healthy cast and crew from Cinderella sitting at home unable to go to work because of suffocating & unworkable government policy.
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For anyone who wants to know how the Palladium test event worked today - here’s a little thread outlining the different measures. Hope it’s helpful & feel free to ask questions!
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I swear, if any restrictions come into play tomorrow that stop theatres’ reopening plans in their tracks I’m going to go & sing show tunes continuously outside Boris’ bedroom widow until he sorts it out.
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This is what’s on display at the bar when you order a drink at Kimberly Akimbo…
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This is an extraordinary and profoundly moving letter from The Color Purple writer Alice Walker in response to the Seyi Omooba situation. (shared by producer Scott Sanders publicly on Facebook)
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After eight months, today is my mum’s last day as a vaccinator. She’s jabbed thousands during that time & came out of retirement to do so. Today I’m saluting everyone who’s done their bit during this time to keep us all safe. 💪👏❤️
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I think we need a term to describe the small half-turn you make in your seat at the theatre when you hear talking or rustling behind you. It’s not a complete turn & glare, just a small movement that says “I heard you. Don’t make me turn all the way round. ”.
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Just heard from one West End producer that it’s expected theatres will be closed from tomorrow but central London shops will remain open. If so, it’s completely illogical. Theatres have measures in place to put audience safety first & not one case has been traced back to a venue.
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Growing up I imagined a future in which I’d be a dad, but never knew if that would become a reality. Today the greatest source of pride in my life is my daughter & the family my partner and I have made together. Happy #Pride everyone!
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Am hearing lights will be dimmed across the West End for Stephen Sondheim at 7pm on Monday evening.
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So with Les Mis, Six and Jamie reopening this May the marquees of three major West End theatres - on the same road! - will all be lit. That��s an incredibly strong & important message: theatre is open, theatre is alive & theatre is ready for its audiences! 💪💪
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Andrew Lloyd Webber gives me hope right now! He speaks for all of us in theatre & I have to say, he’s been really supportive of The Stage at this time. He completely gets how the industry needs to work as one.
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UK: So what happens now?. MPs: Another motion in another hall. UK: So what happens now? . MPs: Take your picture off another wall. UK: Where are we going to?. MPs: We'll get by we always have before . UK: Where are we going to? . Theresa May: Don't ask any more. #brexit.
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Ps: I’ve included Vanessa Feltz and Alison Hammond’s comments in this article as they were specifically talking about The Bodyguard and why people should be allowed to sing along. I hope this changes their minds.
A performance of musical The Bodyguard in Manchester was unable to finish after disruptive audience members resulted in the police being called.
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Today I also want to pay tribute to all front of house staff at theatres up and down the country, doing their best to navigate new policies and to keep audiences safe and informed. And in this extreme heat too! You're all stars and we appreciate you!.
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After two horrendous years for theatre, how refreshing to see BBC1 broadcasting this showcase of musicals - highlighting the awesome people & work that populate our stages & reminding us why we need theatre in our lives! Love it! #BigNightOfMusicals 👏🎉💪🎶.
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Today I wrote to Number 10’s press office requesting accreditation to ask a question at a forthcoming daily briefing. It’s clear that the theatre sector’s voice needs to heard urgently. They get a lot of requests - but here’s hoping this one makes it through. .
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As one producer just pointed out to me, @OliverDowden sat in the London Palladium on Friday enjoying the panto in a Covid-secure environment. What has changed since then? Why do West End theatres suddenly need to close? Absolutely crazy.
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My last thought of 2020: at some point in the coming year there’ll be a front page of The Stage heralding the reopening of theatres across the country & the return of audiences hungry for live shows. That’s what I’m holding onto anyway. Bring it on! 🤞🤞👍💪❤️.
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Petula Clark is 90 today. 90! I saw her in Mary Poppins a few weeks back & afterwards she came out at stage door where my 6-y-o was waiting. She stopped & said: “You might not recognise me without my costume, but…” and then broke into Feed the Birds right there & then. Legend!
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Going to bed wishing I could wake up in 2021 sitting in a theatre filled to capacity, watching a musical with huge song & dance numbers being performed by amazing talent. When that day comes - which it will - just think how amazing it’ll feel. 🎉👏❤️.
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Oh blimey. I tweeted about being a gay dad & same-sex dancing, got retweeted by Piers Morgan & now I’ve been shown what Twitter is like outside of my theatre bubble. Permission to return to safe chat about musicals & Gloria Estefan, sir!.
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BBC1 showed us last night that theatre can be front & centre, prime time! Let’s hope we get more. With international tourism likely to be dented for some time, TV showcases will be most welcome & important. We need a semi-regular series spotlighting West End & U.K. theatre!.
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I've had abuse for praising Lloyd Webber. Apparently some people don't think his efforts are genuine, that it's self-serving, & you can't respect his actions given his own political views. All I know is, without him & his company's efforts, theatre would be at a standstill.
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Things are shit but my daughter still finds joy in the simplest of things - such as jumping in puddles while singing. And that made me smile today 😊
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Taking my daughter to her first West End musical was all I hoped it would be & more! To see her transfixed by the magic of Frozen was emotional. (I also cried when Sven came on!). And if she ends up with just half the love I have for musicals I’ll be a very happy man!😍
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If you’re feeling anxious here are 3 things that helped me during the last lockdown: limiting reading/watching news to just once a day, listening to my favourite songs (Gloria obvs) and a daily walk to clear the head. Keep talking, keep sharing. Solidarity 💪.
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The @NationalTheatre's astonishing production of Death of England: Delroy will be streamed for free on YouTube on November 27 at 7pm and is returning to the Olivier Theatre in Spring 2021. Great news!
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Today I spoke to Lloyd Webber's team and they confirmed - categorically - that Phantom has not closed for good and will be returning to Her Majesty's Theatre in the West End - as the "brilliant original". Some good news!.
Exclusive: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group has moved to quash reports that The Phantom of the Opera has permanently closed in the West End, revealing the musical will return in its original form
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Don’t mind saying I’ve struggled this week. All the reading/writing bad theatre news since March has left me & my team a little deflated. The 3 of us on the Stage newsdesk love theatre. It’s not just a job. It’s a passion. Fingers crossed for some light soon ❤️.
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Dear #strictly viewers,. If you've never seen a musical, imagine the dancing you've just seen by performers who sing AND act too. Sometimes all at the same time. For 8 shows a week. Now that's impressive!.
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June 1 and today I officially become deputy editor @TheStage! 15 years with this incredible company but today a new (ish!) adventure & chapter begins. I’m ready!.
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Last night, the Woman in Black's producer said the show's low prices had "economic-ed it out" of London. “But I would sooner have more young people coming to the theatre than have this play succeed with average prices over £100, which is what the alternative would be," he said.👏.
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He had it coming. He had it coming. He only had himself to blame…
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Just to say June 22 is my birthday. If all social distancing is gone by then, and we are able to go to the theatre as planned, I will book out a whole venue and treat you all - that's how excited I am. OMG! Theatre is coming back!.
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I don’t know if anyone else - like me- is feeling anxious right now. But this is just a tweet of support to all those in theatre desperate for its full return & hoping for some light at the end of this dark tunnel. Hard as it is, we have to believe we’ll get there, right?! 😊.
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Les Mis concert returning to the West End at the Sondheim Theatre in December for six weeks. Happy Christmas everyone! 🎉🎉🎉.
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When theatres closed, I watched with admiration as theatre friends found jobs elsewhere - in supermarkets, as delivery drivers. They should have done so in the knowledge there'll be an industry to return to - one supported by our leaders. This government has utterly failed them.
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My last thought of the day: this is not the end of The Stage. It’s survived two world wars & is owned & run by a family who love it & will fight to protect it. It’s going through a difficult patch, but here’s to it remaining a key part of this tremendous industry. ❤️.
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If you’re at the theatre alone, do you strike up a conversation with the person next to you? Normally I don’t (shy!) but tonight I did & had a fascinating chat about shows with someone from New York. We exchanged emails & I made a new friend. .
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Did anyone else have to do that thing at drama school where you walked around a space & changed direction every time the tutor clapped?. I'm still trying to work out what I got from that.
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We didn’t need one, but BBC1 just reminded us all of the incredible talent we have in theatre - on & off stage - and what we’re currently missing so greatly. The road ahead is tough, so I hope everything is thrown at theatre to support & enable its strong return. We deserve it.💪.
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Theatre friends. You are valued, you are viable. And I for one can't wait to see you all back where you belong. There's going to be one hell of an opening night when it's possible. And this government ain't invited.
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How about, when West End shows reopen, they put aside 5 minutes each night before they start to allow recent graduates the chance to sing for the audience? Could make up for the lack of exposure they’ve had during the pandemic. .
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If you're watching the England game tomorrow, enjoy!. And If you're off to see a matinee, enjoy that too!. But please, for everyone's sake, don't try & do both at the same time. .
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Watching Moulin Rouge and husband just said someone should turn it into a stage musical and quite frankly I don’t know how we’ve lasted as long as we have.
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At the end of Billy Elliot, a girl aged maybe 5/6 asked her grandma if it was “another break”. Her grandma had to explain, no, the show had ended. The girl looked gutted. “But don’t worry, you could be up there one day,” her grandma added. And the girl’s eyes lit up. The dream!😍.
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A producer of one of the shows shut down due to isolation rules told me this is the worst it has been for theatre these past 18 months. And he said he’d not been sleeping or eating properly for fear of waking up to a positive case. The mental health toll of all of this is huge.
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At a time when councils are scaling back funding for the arts, how refreshing to see a London council making a commitment to ensuring EVERY primary school child can see theatre for free. Future audiences/actors being created right there. .
Every primary school child in the London borough of Southwark will receive a free theatre trip annually under plans unveiled by @lb_southwark
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How sad to hear Rose on #Strictly say she doesn’t get to enjoy many musicals because they aren’t accessible.
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13,232 shows later, The Woman in Black played its last show at the Fortune tonight after 33 years. During that period it also had 6,000 shows on tour & in all this equates to 25,000 weeks of employment for artists and technicians in the show’s company. An incredible achievement!
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Please take a moment to appreciate the dancing front of house staff at Drury Lane ahead of Much Ado About Nothing starting 🎉🎉👏👏
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Just remembering the person at @sixthemusical who jumped onto the stage last night during Anna of Cleve’s number and how it was timed so perfectly as Anna of Cleves sang “Get down!” in what basically became an order. Brilliantly handled!.
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A fellow parent (not into musicals) was asking me today what the famous songs from Phantom are & I basically found myself singing every number in what essentially became a one-man version of the show. I’m pretty sure he wished he’d never asked.
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So in awe of my daughter. On a fairly regular basis she faces questions from other kids about her family set-up - why do you have two dads? Where’s your mum? She’s only five but she always answers them so eloquently & she makes me so proud!.
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When Phantom returns to the West End I think Andrew Lloyd Webber should borrow from this #MaskedSingerUK and hire different musical stars to play the lead each night & we all have to guess who it is. Imagine screaming “take it off! take it off!” at curtain call. .
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At the theatre last night I was sat next to a man in his 20s who’d never seen Phantom or much theatre in general. In the interval his sister asked if he was enjoying it & he said he was loving it & wanted to see more. That’s the power of theatre. One show can leave you hooked!.
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What an afternoon - a proper historic moment being at the Palladium. I choked up when Lloyd Webber welcomed us, I shed actual tears when @Beverleyknight sang Memory. I’ll gather my thoughts & share more later. But the theatre was open, people were in it & it was a joy! ❤️.
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Don’t know about anyone else but that BGT performance last night and the Jamie trailer today have left me very emotional all day. I may have mentioned this once or twice, but I bloody love musicals. Always have, always will.
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I need a play/musical written about The Queue - the stories of the people in it, the friendships made. A Come From Away style show would work.
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Here's the thing: #SeyiOmooba doesn't believe people are born gay. Well, they 100% are. I'll tell you what you're not born as - religious. Religion is something you choose. Sexuality is not. Gay people aren't a 'belief system'. We're real. We exist.
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This video capturing the audience reaction as Wicked returns to Broadway is quite something! I expect similar scenes in London tonight….
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