April the 22nd 2015 is the exact day when Love London Love Culture first came online – Emma Clarendon selects her favourite memories from the last four years!
2015:
Attending the press night of Close to You: this was the first big press night I ever attended on behalf of LLLC and it was such a feel-good show – finished off with a performance in Piccadilly Circus by Burt Bacharach himself!
Getting to watch Carlos Acosta take his final bow with The Royal Ballet: It was an honour and a privilege to watch from the stalls as acclaimed dancer performed some of his favourite classical pieces on stage at the London Coliseum accompanied beautifully by the Royal Ballet.
Getting hold of tickets to catch Benedict Cumberbatch as Hamlet at the Barbican: as this was a preview performance (and unlike many others didn’t want to offend anyone by officially publishing a review) this is just a few thoughts on this lavish and memorable production. Side story to that evening: a journalist from a well known newspaper attempted to buy my tickets off me over Twitter just so they could go and see it instead – obviously I refused and said journalist got the hump and unfollowed me instantly!
Reviewing Dressed by Angels at the Old Truman Brewery: a huge part of any film, television or stage production is the costumes and Angels of course is the best known name for providing costumes for numerous different types of shows, films and productions. This was just a glimpse of probably not even half of what they have but it was fascinating nonetheless – just a shame that due to financial problems the exhibition shut early.
2016:
Going to a screening of Zootropolis: this was my first major film screening for Love London Love Culture and it was extremely exciting to be a part of. The film was excellent and is actually even now one of my favourite recent Disney films!
In the Heights at Charing Cross Theatre: seeing this energetic and entertaining musical was my first introduction to the work of Lin Manuel-Miranda. Not usually my type of music, I really fell in love with its stylishness and ability to draw those who wouldn’t normally come along to see a musical into the theatre.
Vanities the Musical at Trafalgar Studios: seeing this actually turned into a big turning point for LLLC – ending up being featured on marketing for the show was a huge thrill and honour for me. It was a fabulous show that featured a great cast and I’m still hoping it will return to London soon!
Attending the press launch for An American in Paris: this was a genuinely lovely way to spend the afternoon, finding out more about the London production which was to go on and steal my heart!
Seeing Eugenius at the London Palladium: before it became immensely popular at The Other Palace, I was really privileged to catch this new British Musical in its first form as a concert performance. I instantly fell in love with its 80’s references, its goofiness (in the best way) and the sheer joy it brought to the crowd.
2017:
Afternoon tea and listening to Alan Menken peforming Disney songs: never mind this being a highlight of Love London Love Culture’s most memorable moments, as a huge Disney fan this was an incredible event that allowed me to embrace my inner child!
Interview with Tyrone Huntley: as I finally became more confident I decided to move a bit more into interviews and this was one of my favourites!
Interview with John Hollingworth: on a personal level as a massive Poldark fan it was great to chat to John not only about The Norman Conquests at the Chichester Festival Theatre – but to sneak in a Poldark question too!
2018:
Taking a peek at Funicular’s Journey to the Underworld: as LLLC has continued to grow and develop, I have become interested in doing more unique and quirky experiences and this was a first great (literal) taste of that!
The Lieutenant of Inishmore at the Noel Coward Theatre: I can’t remember the last time I have seen a play so many times. But Michael Grandage’s production was a real highlight of 2018 for me – plus going on press night meant I actually finally got a chance to meet John Hollingworth as well!
Killer Joe at the Trafalgar Studios: I love all of the unexpected moments that come my way and having bought a ticket to see this, the last thing I ever expected was to end up on the marketing for it! It was a great show – intense, gripping and a strong cast that pulled it all together well!
So there you go! A select few highlights of which there are so many more – I really can’t wait to see what the next four years have in store for LLLC!