I’ve always loved writing arts reviews. I enjoy anaylsing films, books, art and music. I don’t care if I love, loathe or am indifferent to the work. Just let me reflect and write…in 600 words or less!
I wrote my first reviews aged 15 in letters to music-obsessed pen pals then for various Smiths fanzines. My first job was writing gig reviews for Newcastle’s Evening Chronicle and after university I worked for music magazines in London.
Fast forward to 2014 and I’m back on Tyneside and hear about North East Reviews. It was set up by the North East Artist Development Network to increase the amount of critical writing around new performance work in the region.
The NEAD Network’s venue partners are Alnwick Playhouse, Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle, Arts Centre Washington, ARC Stockton, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Caedmon Hall, Gateshead, Dance City, Newcastle, Gala Durham, Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre, Live Theatre, Newcastle, Northern Stage, Newcastle, Saltburn Arts Theatre, The Firestation, Sunderland, The Witham, Barnard Castle.
I’m one of 10 freelance reviewers and over the past four years I’ve reviewed dance, theatre and spoken word performances. Earlier this year I sucked the marrow out of a review writing masterclass with The Guardian’s Lyn Gardner. At the beginning of May I reviewed Rowan McCabe’s latest show. Check it out here.
I’m looking forward to reviewing another performance next week. Say no more until the review’s posted online here