It’s been five years since LLLC first started and to celebrate, here’s a guide to some of Emma Clarendon’s favourite reviews, interviews and other features over the last few years!
Going to a screening of Mary Poppins Returns: as a huge Disney fan this was a real treat of a day. Not only getting an opportunity to see the film before it was released in cinemas but also a chance to take part in a Q&A with the film’s music composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Whittman. It was a really lovely day.
Going to see The Lieutenant of Inishmore: 2018 was a really good year for theatre – but this was a personal highlight for me: catching Aidan Turner making his West End debut in this hilariously dark comedy by Martin McDonagh. It was a superb production with some truly memorable lines that still make me chuckle now!
Interview with Henry Shields: as someone who genuinely loves everything to do with Mischief Theatre – I really love this interview in which we discuss Mischief Theatre’s year long season at the Vaudeville Theatre as well as the company’s recent television programme.
Top 10 favourite Alan Menken songs: this feature came shortly after attending an afternoon tea and special intimate performance from the composer to celebrate the upcoming release of the live action version of Beauty and the Beast.
Interview with Millie O’Connell: we chatted to the former SIX actress about starring in the Charing Cross Theatre production of Soho Cinders – which unsurprisingly was a popular read on LLLC for a while!
Paying a visit to Body Worlds: while I initially thought this was an experience that would make me feel uncomfortable, it was in fact a genuinely fascinating journey that left me having a new found respect for what my body is capable of. Well worth a visit if and when you can.
Interview with Liam Tamne: it was lovely getting a chance to chat to the actor about starring in new West End musical The Prince of Egypt which opened earlier this year.
Interview with John Hollingworth: as a huge Poldark fan this was what I consider to be my first big interview and it seem to come out really well – this will always be an interview that I’m particularly proud of.
Watching The Kite Runner at the Wyndham’s Theatre: this was one of the first productions that I saw that would lead Love London Love Culture being on a poster – which obviously was a big thrill for me. It was such a beautiful production of a memorable story – it really deserved the rave review that I gave it.
Chatting to Alfred Molina and Alfred Enoch: another wonderful day was getting the chance to speak to these two talented actors while they were in rehearsal for the revival of Red at the Wyndham’s Theatre in 2018.
Exploring the Victoria: Woman and Crown exhibition at Kensington Palace: to mark the release of the third series of ITV drama Victoria on DVD, me and a few others were invited to explore the palace’s latest exhibition celebrating the birth of Queen Victoria. It offered a deeply fascinating insight into the woman behind the crown.
Interview with Nicola Brown: having loved Trevor Nunn’s production of Fiddler on the Roof, it was so lovely to get a chance to talk to Nicola about the production and her character.
Attending the 2018 Olivier Awards: it was always a dream of mine to attend the Olivier Awards – which is why it was the perfect thing to do to help mark my 30th birthday. It was such a treat getting all dressed up and seeing Hamilton winning so many awards that evening!
Killer Joe, Trafalgar Studios: having bought a ticket to see this thrilling and intense production starring Orlando Bloom, never did I imagine that Love London Love Culture would be on the poster right outside the theatre!
Interview with Lucy May Barker: I love the music of ABBA as well as the fun filled Mamma Mia! So it was great to chat to Lucy about playing central character Sophie in the musical.
Interview with Christie Prades: On Your Feet! Was the feel-good show of the year last year. I got a chance to chat to Christie all about what it was like playing Gloria Estefan and bringing the show to London.
Attending the 20th anniversary gala of The Lion King: it is always a thrill to revisit a show that you have seen and loved previously – particularly when it is a special occasion and this evening in October felt really special.
Attending the press launch for & Juliet: this felt especially exciting as there is nothing like getting a chance to know more about a new musical before it heads to the stage. From the performances that I heard on this day as well as the ideas for the costumes and of course the cast already lined up, I had an idea that this was going to be the next theatre craze in the West End.
So there you go! Five wonderful years so far and I can not wait to see what happens in the next five! Thanks to everybody who has given LLLC their support over the years – really appreciate it!