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AD | Tonight I was invited to a special preview of Luminarium, an immersive installation by Architects of Air, brought t...
10/09/2026

AD | Tonight I was invited to a special preview of Luminarium, an immersive installation by Architects of Air, brought to Portsmouth by Crying Out Loud as part of The Point is Portsmouth.

The installation is nestled in the middle of Victoria Park, and is such a serene experience, with a gentle soundscape accompanying the beautiful illuminations created by the natural light shining through the colourful fabric.

The structure has been created using thousands of hand-cut pieces of fabric, and the light shifts and changes throughout the day as the sun changes position.

I'll post some video content soon so you can get a better idea of the experience, but for now take a look at these gorgeous photos I captured. Have you ever experienced anything like it?

The installation is there all weekend, and is free to Portsmouth residents, essential carers and under 16s. They're also offering SEND/Quiet sessions across the weekend. Visit Crying Out Loud and Architects of Air for more.

AD | After almost four months away from Mayflower Theatre I was starting to experience withdrawal symptoms! But never fe...
08/09/2026

AD | After almost four months away from Mayflower Theatre I was starting to experience withdrawal symptoms! But never fear, they're now back open with some sparkling new toilet facilities and a run of brilliant productions.

I made my return tonight for The Ballad of Johnny and June, a new musical from the director of Jersey Boys based on the life of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, told through the eyes of their son John.

This is a show that's sure to please all the Johnny Cash fans out there as it's full of his back catalogue, and Christopher Ryan Grant does a brilliant job at bringing them to life.

Alongside him as June Carter Cash is Christina Bianco, who I'll forever be a fan of! It's a great opportunity to see her performing in a role that's so beautifully sung and acted.

I would have liked for it to feel a bit pacier, and lean more into the dramatic moments, but overall I liked the style of the production. It features a strong ensemble and a group of talented musicians who make the songs sound brilliant.

Let me know if you're planning to see this one!

You can see The Ballad of Johnny and June at Mayflower Theatre until Saturday! Also check out the brilliant shows that are coming up including Matthew Bourne's The Car Man and Moulin Rouge 😍

Titanique was EXACTLY what I needed this weekend! Sometimes you want a show that makes you leave every stress and strain...
06/09/2026

Titanique was EXACTLY what I needed this weekend! Sometimes you want a show that makes you leave every stress and strain at the door and just surrender to the silliness.

This was my first time back on the ship of dreams since the first preview, and I'm not sure why I've waited so long for a return visit! This cast is so brilliant - Astrid is the perfect kooky crazy Celine and Myra DuBois might just be the funniest person on the planet!

We also had the chance to catch some brilliant covers who were all wonderful - Josh Lovell as Jack, AJ Lewis as Cal, and Joi Lurrie as Molly Brown. This led to my favourite line of the show - as Cal is walking away Myra shouts 'I wouldn't f**k an understudy anyway' - one of many hilarious moments!

This performance was also BSL interpreted which was great to see - not only did this make it accessible, it also gave Myra extra material which was comedy gold!

I love you Titanique, let's not leave it so long next time 💙

With the incredible announcement of Giles Terera as this year's Scrooge I thought I'd take a look back at the Old Vic's ...
03/09/2026

With the incredible announcement of Giles Terera as this year's Scrooge I thought I'd take a look back at the Old Vic's production of A Christmas Carol.

Here are my programme shots from 2020 onwards, followed by some of my favourite pics capturing the magic of this production. It's my absolute favourite Christmas tradition.

Who's planning a visit this year?

Is it too early to use the C word? 🎄Pumpkin spice is back, Mariah is defrosting, and Jack Edwards is wearing a wig... It...
02/09/2026

Is it too early to use the C word? 🎄

Pumpkin spice is back, Mariah is defrosting, and Jack Edwards is wearing a wig... It can only mean one thing - panto season is almost here!

This morning I went on an open top bus tour around the sights of Portsmouth with the fantastic cast of this year's Pompey Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk! 🐄🌱🧻

I'll share more soon, but for now enjoy these snaps from our giant day of fun! Who's booked their panto tickets already?

AD | Created in association with Southampton Pride and Beyond Reflections UK, I Was Always Here is a new piece from Thea...
31/08/2026

AD | Created in association with Southampton Pride and Beyond Reflections UK, I Was Always Here is a new piece from Theatre For Life which explores the lives and history of trans+ people through verbatim theatre.

​Written by Kit Miles in collaboration with the company, I Was Always Here is built directly from authentic lived experiences, giving so much power to the dialogue. Hearing about the trans+ experience directly from trans+ individuals was deeply moving and thought-provoking.

​The production excels in capturing intergenerational experiences of the community while thoughtfully honoring its intersectionality, beautifully weaving in the nuances of race and disability. The underlying message that the fundamental desire to live authentically is universal really resonated with me.

​This charismatic cast of four took us on a compelling journey through history, from 1920s speakeasies to the green rooms of the 90s club scene. We learned about the first trans surgeon, and delved into gothic literature.

​In a climate where trans people continue to face hostility and systemic challenges, active, visible allyship has never been more vital. I Was Always Here is more than just a powerful piece of theatre - it's a catalyst to inspire real understanding and action.

​If you missed the run at Mayflower Studios, you'll still be able to catch I Was Always Here on its short tour. The production will be playing The Pleasance, London from October 20th, followed by The Lens Studio, Portsmouth from November 2nd.

AD | There are so many brilliant women throughout history I've learnt about by sitting in a theatre. In a world where st...
28/08/2026

AD | There are so many brilliant women throughout history I've learnt about by sitting in a theatre. In a world where stories of wartime heroism and courage often centre on white men, it's always refreshing to see stories from our diverse heritage on stage.

In a co-production between Chichester Festival Theatre and Orange Tree Theatre, 'a small and quiet light' is a new play by Stephanie Street which explores the life of Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan, a British-Indian SOE agent in Nazi-occupied France during the Second World War, and the first female radio operator.

It feels fitting for an all-female cast to tell Noor's story, and while I felt it softened the impact of her operating in a patriarchal structure, this ensemble is brilliant - led by Priyanga Burford, who gives a tender yet assured performance. She plays Noor with such care, and has an obvious connection with her story.

The writing flips between Noor's time being interrogated, her journey to joining the Special Operations Executive, and her ultimate capture. I'd have loved to find out more about how she managed to evade the Gestapo for three months when the life expectancy of radio operators was usually six weeks.

Although it was lacking intensity, the play provides a fascinating look at the life of a remarkable woman who gave up everything to fight for her country through gathering and sharing intel. I especially appreciated the final scenes where she broke the fourth wall to address Noor's last moments, and how easy it is to 'sleepwalk into an acceptable version of the truth.'

'a small and quiet light' has certainly sparked my curiosity into Noor's story - I've just started listening to a BBC podcast which features Priyanga talking passionately. You can catch the play in the Minerva until the 12th of September.

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