About

In 2018 Dress Circle Antics was born. Since then, we have been focusing on organically growing our readership, social media presence and subsequent following through establishing the brand as a trusted and respected site for honest and informative reviews. Our brand is very much about producing original, insightful content that informs and inspires our readers to see the shows we review.

 

We have been working hard to forge some fantastic connections in the theatre industry both regionally and in London. This has led to the production of several interview features with performers and creative’s which are proving to be incredibly popular, informative, and insightful.

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Our approach has seen the site grow beyond all expectations, with us now invited to review all kinds of theatre across the Midlands, South East, and London. As a result of that growth, we now have seven incredibly talented reviewers supporting our founder, Gemma Fincher, taking the Dress Circle Antics team to eight and growing.

 

So, if you are looking for honest, comprehensive reviews, fun and exclusive interviews with your favourite theatre performers, news, and competitions… Look no further than Dress Circle Antics. Your one-stop-shop for all thing’s theatre.

 

You can also find us on Twitter and Instagram @dcantics

Team

Gemma Fincher - Editor

Gemma has been a professional Technical Writer and Bid Manager for 16 years. Having always been a passionate and committed fan of theatre, regularly attending a variety of productions, it wasn’t until 2017 that she decided to try her hand at reviewing. After receiving positive feedback from friends and family, she decided to set up her own blog – Dress Circle Antics. Gemma believes that theatre is one of the most inclusive forms of art and that it can bring joy to even the harshest of critics. In publishing her thoughts and reviews she hopes to encourage more people to attend their local theatre and support the arts.

Ely King – Reviewer: Buckinghamshire & London

Ely is a student based in Northampton, where she is heading into her second year studying Multimedia Journalism. Ely’s ambition is to work as a journalist in the arts full time, be that with theatre, concerts, or other live events. Ely really got into theatre in the last 5 years, seeing local shows at the Sunderland Empire in her hometown. Since moving to Northampton, she is a regular visitor to the West End. Ely really enjoys reviewing shows, having previously reviewed concerts. Ely looks forward to continuing to develop and hone her writing skills while she reviews for Dress Circle Antics.

Rebecca Kelly – Reviewer: London

Rebecca is in her final year as a paediatric nurse. From the ages of 6-16 Rebecca belonged to a dance academy where she performed in Kent and London theatres as part of musical and company showcases. Rebecca adored being on the stage and felt her heart belonged with the world of musical theatre. She is excited to finally throw herself into the wonderful theatre community and explore a wide variety of shows. She also advocates for mental health as part of her nursing. Rebecca believes that theatre creates a welcoming and safe space where everyone can be themselves and be accepted, all whilst sharing the joy that theatre brings.

Leyla Demirel – Reviewer: London

Leyla is a student nurse who one day wishes to be on the stage. She adores anything theatrical and has a particular interest and passion for the world of immersive theatre. When she is not at the theatre, she can be found with her nose in a book. Leyla has also previously tried her hand at making YouTube videos and blogging and writing is something she is incredibly passionate about. Reviewing for Dress Circle Antics has allowed Leyla to her passion into helping produce informative and interesting reviews in the hope that it encourages readers to head to the theatre.

Sam Dunning – Reviewer: Buckinghamshire

Sam fell in love with theatre as a young boy, and still feels just as passionately about it now. He spends most of his time on a stage or in front of a camera and has been working as a performer for over a decade, splitting his time between acting, singing, modelling and voice-over work; but as well as that he is lucky enough to have the opportunity (every now and then!) to go and watch other performers doing what they love, and to be able to pass on his views and experiences of them. Musical theatre will always be Sam’s first love, but he enjoys all kinds of performance, from plays and comedy, to magic and dance.

Sophie Mills – Reviewer: West Midlands

Sophie has been a keen theatregoer for her entire life, and it became the perfect escape from the 9-5 grind after graduating university. When she’s not at the theatre, Sophie can often be found exploring the Midlands or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Jackson Womersley – Reviewer: Buckinghamshire and London

Jackson is the youngest member of the Dress Circle Antics reviewing team. Jackson focuses on producing fun video reviews of shows both regionally and in London. Jackson has been taking part in extracurricular arts and drama activities for as long as he can remember. He was a member of The Pauline Quirke Academy for two years before moving south. He is now a member of a local performing arts group where he continues to work towards his LAMDA accreditations. Jackson hopes one day to be a professional actor and is enjoying honing his skills by reviewing other industry professionals.

Isabelle Edge – Reviewer: West Midlands

Isabelle is positively obsessed with all thing’s theatre. She has been an integral member of her local stage school in Staffordshire for several years. She has performed in all kinds of productions from The Addams Family to Peter Pan. Now in senior school, Isabelle has chosen Creative Media as one of her options which she hopes will give her a broader understanding and awareness of the digital media sector which she hopes will complement her performing arts skills. Isabelle hopes to pursue a career in the arts, and she adores musicals. She hopes that her video reviews will encourage more adults and children alike to head to the theatre.