lyngardner Profile
lyngardner

@lyngardner

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Lyn Gardner writes about theatre for The Stage & Digital Theatre. Reviews @StagedoorLDN Novels include the Olivia stage school series. contact @lyngardner .com

Joined July 2008
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Thank you to everyone for your support today. Has made me feel much better. Best way to reach me from now on is contact @lyngardner .com
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
. @OliverDowden this is not a moment for self-congratulation this is the moment to refect on the fact that you are the culture minister who will go done in history for not acting and for aiding this government in an act of cultural vandalism that will destroy british theatre.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
When this crisis is over I reckon artists are going to have very long memories about which orgs/producers acted in a way that was entirely self-interested, and which stood shoulder to shoulder with artists to ensure those with the least clout and money don’t take the bigger hit.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Just wanted to say thank you again for all the support over the last 36 hours. The tweets, messages, emails and complete strangers stopping me in the street (and on a train) have kept me buoyed. Thank you
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Looking forward to being part of the @TheStage team and writing a daily blog for them during @edfringe as well as reviewing for @IndyArts
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
That lovely moment when you put your hand in the pocket of a coat you haven’t worn since last winter and discover a ten pound note and feel so rich.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
My new website now properly functioning and updated at
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
@TheStage @OfficialALW I reckon if the word feisty is being used it will hardly be modern
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
8 years
Can't express my appreciation for all the support I've had today on Twitter and in emails regarding my contract. Thank you so much.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
7 years
If you see me out and about @edfringe don't be nervous about saying hello and telling me about your show. I don't bite.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
The range of venues across the country which Ian McKellen is visiting next year for Ian McKellen on stage is just brilliant. The NT and the Marine Lyme Regis, the RSC and the Braid in Ballymena, the Edinburgh Int fest and Burnley Youth Theatre. Bravo.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
Right @edfringe I am on your case. Just about to see my first show of 2019 festival.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
I am quite surprised by all those @edfringe bound folk who have already scheduled themselves to the eyeballs and have the spread sheet to prove it. Hold your nerve guys, it is not until the fest starts that you can be sure of the hits.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Also thanks for the suggestions and ideas about how I might finance my theatre writing in the future. I have no intention of stopping seeing UK theatre in all its many forms and glorious messiness. Contact @lyngardner .com
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
Who else is going to be watching One Man, Two Guvnors tomorrow night ? @NationalTheatre #NationalTheatreAtHome looking forward to live tweeting with @StagedoorLDN and the many others who will be doing the same. Should be fun, and only time you should tweet from a front row seat
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Seen two shows so far and men not come out well from either of them. Could this be a theme emerging already? If not, I will probably succeed in turning it into one
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
7 years
Thanks so much to everyone for your congratulations on my totally unexpected and much appreciated @TotalTheatreAwd
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
You know that @edfringe is getting to you when you realise you have been wandering around wearing skirt inside out all morning
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Dance Nation @AlmeidaTheatre Get your pussies down there. I loved it
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
With Madani Younis moving from @bushtheatre to @southbankcentre which is a significant move, and so many AD posts vacant this feels as if it could be a real moment of change in British theatre. Let’s hope we don’t bottle it
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Goodbye Edinburgh and it’s lovely people. Goodbye @edfringe As always you have been good to me.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
A tiny proportion of the industry is very busy on Zoom inventing the future, while the vast majority are wondering whether they have a future in the industry at all and fear their voices are heard less than ever.
@TheStage
The Stage
4 years
Theatre’s future is best served by conversations that involve us all, says @LynGardner – the most local, networked and openly transparent organisations are best placed to be useful in this crisis – and to survive it
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
So @VAULTFestival here we go again. Off to see my first shows and cover for @StagedoorLDN do say hello if you spot me, and do feel free to pitch me your shows. Can’t promise to review but even if I can’t I will know something about your work and passions as a theatre-maker.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
I am completely made up about this too. Looking forward to being part of the team.
@DT_Plus
Digital Theatre+
6 years
We're thrilled to announce that the fantastic @lyngardner has joined the DT+ team! And to celebrate, we're giving you free & instant access to our exclusive roundtable with Lyn herself, @maddydeliqette and Lois Keidan. Watch now!
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
Insane thing about @EveningStandard decision to dispense with experienced arts critics is that one of the things that makes London a great city is all the theatre and arts on offer. @George_Osborne may need to cost cut but austerity of arts coverage will only damage ES
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
The studio wasn’t the most comfortable or beguiling space but it served an important purpose in giving a platform to so many small shows that otherwise would never have got a further life. A shame.
@TheStage
The Stage
4 years
Trafalgar Studios ( @TrafStudios ) has been granted planning permission to convert its two performance spaces into a single 630-seat auditorium
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
169,000 people currently watching #OneManTwoGuvnors
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone for your interest and enthusiasm for #LynsNextStep and say the launch event is full. But very excited that I will soon be able to share future plans with you all. I am very excited.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
Not a bailout, an investment. @mrJamesGraham on theatre. #bbcqt
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
If you have sent me an email about your show and I’ve not replied i apologise but it doesn’t mean I haven’t read but probably does mean I don’t yet know if I can schedule or not. I am here for a good while yet and still have capacity so will try to see as much as possible. Cheers
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
Must say that on basis of what has been announced so far the 2019 @edfringe is shaping up to be a cracker. So much good stuff heading back and lots of new work that sounds really tasty
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
8 years
Thank you to all who tweeted, emailed or even stopped me in street in response to cut of my Guardian blog contract. Have been deeply touched
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
I’m sorry to have to confess that probably my favourite ever version of RL Stevenson’s yarn is the Muppet Treasure island. Am I alone in this shameful secret? @StagedoorLDN #NationalTheatreAtHome #TreasureIsland
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 months
"In 20 years’ time, we don’t want to be looking back asking where all the new British plays are. So, we are intentionally refocusing our support on writers; developing new voices for the stage ." @BristolOldVic Nancy Medina announcing 5 yr commitment to new writing. Rejoice!
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Lyn Gardner: Size matters – don’t hide plays by women and people of colour in studio spaces via @TheStage
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Who gets to fail upwards and who doesn’t?
@TheStage
The Stage
6 years
If theatres are serious about improving diversity, they need to let artists fail better, says @lyngardner
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Oh dear, already acutely aware how many people I am going to disappoint by not getting to see their shows particularly if they are on between 1pm and 6pm. @edfringe would have to last all year for me to have any chance of scheduling all the shows I would like to see
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Twelfth Night @youngvictheatre knocked years off of me. Utterly rejuvenating; totally joyous.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
So the shows I would recommend so far are Knot, Collapsible and Scottee: Class all @Assemblyroxy , Like Animals and Bystanders @summerhall , Sea Sick @canadahubfringe , Enough, Until the Flood, Mouthpiece, Burgerz @traversetheatre and La Reprise @edintfest
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
No, this is not the same as being in the theatre and watching a live show with a live audience. But it is fun. Different doesn't have to mean less good. Different can just another kind of experience. @stagedoorLDN #NationalTheatreAtHome #OneManTwoGuvnors
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
7 years
On train at king's Cross and will be Edinburgh-bound shortly. Excitement.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
#TheMadnessofGeorge111 is streamed by @NationalTheatre but is a production made in Nottingham by @NottmPlayhouse . It’s a reminder that UK regional theatre is a glorious thing and its future is under threat. Please donate. #NationalTheatreAtHome @StagedoorLDN
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
2 years
So edinburgh here we go.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
If you love theatre do this and get you Mum and dad and aunties and uncles and your friends to do this too. It’s easy and it could make a big difference. Do it now.
@nicholasbw
Nick Barton-Wines 🇪🇺🏳️‍🌈
4 years
FAN OF THEATRE AND WANT TO HELP? Here's a template to write to your MP. Pass it around, pass it to family members, and RT to help. Your 5 minutes today could help save your local theatre tomorrow. #SaveTheArts
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
2 months
When I take my seat up to six times a day in fringe venues over the coming days, I will remind myself that every show is a miracle. But theatre should not have to rely on miracles; we need investment.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
Hello, I am not going to reply to everyone inviting me to a show on Twitter because if I did I wouldn’t have time to see any shows. But you are very welcome to do so and if you want to follow up you can send press releases to contact @lyngardner .com
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Great to see young woman challenging the hold of men over the way theatre is made and received. The Writer @AlmeidaTheatre is so interesting to see in tandem with @RashDashTheatre Three Sisters @rxtheatre , @YardTheatre & @tftheatres . How can we tell stories in different shapes?
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Rachel o’ Riordan, who has done such fine work at the Sherman in Cardiff is new AD @LyricHammer terrific appointment
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
8 years
Good thing to come out of this week is in highlighting fact that if arts value arts coverage, on whatever platform, it has to be supported
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
But I thought this was the man who was recently telling us how important regional theatre is to the whole ecology. Why not put your money where your mouth is?
@TheStage
The Stage
6 years
Cameron Mackintosh is reconsidering whether he can still afford to redevelop the Ambassadors Theatre into a West End home for regional work after an "incredibly tough" experience renovating the Victoria Palace Theatre
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
7 years
Many thanks for all the good wishes today. I have been deeply touched. Thank you
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
Think Tamsin Greig's malvolia up there with my favourite women-getting-a-long-overdue-shot at major Shakespearian role. Right there with Harriet Walter’s Brutus and Maxine Peake’s Hamlet. What’s your favourite? @StagedoorLDN #NationalTheatreAtHome #TwelfthNight @NationalTheatre
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
So far this @edfringe there has not been a day when I have walked less than five miles. When did I find the time? But reckon good for the mental health if it doesn’t really mitigate the walnut whips
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
2 months
So here I am @ThePleasance shortly to see if show. If you see me, unless clearly otherwise engaged, don’t be shy but tell me about your show. Like everyone else I am looking for the needles in the haystack.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
I have had such a phenomenal theatre-going week: @BryonyKimmings brave I’m a Phoenix, Bitch @battersea_arts , the giddy Twelfth Night @youngvictheatre , Emma Rice’s blissful Wise Children @oldvictheatre and the brilliantly reinvented #Company at Gielgud
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
This is an essential read. A generous spirited open letter from over 100 writers of colour addressing Eurocentric dramaturgy. We need to talk about this.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
So, that’s me done @VAULTFestival for this year, although shows running until Sunday. Thanks to the press team for facilitating me and all those companies who gave me free tickets. Sorry I couldn’t get to see you all. Final reviews tomorrow @StagedoorLDN
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
I’m a Phoenix, Bitch @BryonyKimmings @battersea_arts is unmissable. Part horror movie, part grimmest of fairytales, & wholly gripping account of a woman surviving the worst life can throw at her. Fascinating on motherhood. Oh and hilarious too
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
In other news I am having a great theatre-going week. Rashdash are in brilliant form in Three Sisters @rxtheatre and the Debbie Tucker Green’s double bill Random and Generations @ChichesterFT is haunting, suffused in grief and making absence palpable
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
Panto @NationalTheatre this Christmas. What a joy.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
I have had a terrific week @VAULTFestival haven’t seen anything I really didn’t like and seen a few things I thought were very good and have real potential
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
This week theatres across the country started to send out redundancy notices. Without government help many will never reopen. Press your MP to apply pressure on the government to support this industry. #NationalTheatreAtHome @NationalTheatre #BridgeDream @_bridgetheatre
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
The new @KilnTheatre is a splendid thing, modelled on the old auditorium but modern, distinctive and very comfortable. Love the new frontage too and way that old dark entrance corridor has been so sympathetically transformed to embrace old and new
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
9 months
Let's talk about ACE project funding. Is it fit for purpose? Or is it broken as many people tell me. What would make it better? More money obviously. But what else. If you don't secure what is the impact on careers. Have you been affected? DM me if you want to talk about this.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
8 years
Hello thanks for all your tweets. Just want to be clear that will be still writing reviews for @guardianstage And 28,000 words of features
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
My Edinburgh picks starting on @StagedoorLDN later today. Will be 50 in total in alphabetical order released as 10 per day. So many tantalising shows @edfringe this year was very hard to keep to 50. But only a guide, will be great work I haven’t mentioned
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Lyn Gardner: Theatre’s feudal system shackles its most precious resource – artists via @TheStage
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
Apologies to everyone @VAULTFestival I had planned to see almost a dozen shows this week but a family illness has taken me out of london. Will be sad to miss them, but sometimes life just gets in the way. Hope you all smash it.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
Yep, just do it. Now.
@TheStage
The Stage
5 years
Work by men still dominates our theatre’s main stages. It's easy to resolve, just programme more women writers, says Natasha Tripney
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
2 years
Well an excellent first day @edfringe . Every show I saw had something and sometimes a great deal to recommend. Death and grief clearly, and not surprisingly given the last two years, going to be major themes. The climate emergency too. Might need a bit of a laugh tomorrow.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Now after all that theatre a cup of tea and some twiglets
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
This is brilliant news
@EleanorLloyd
Eleanor Lloyd
6 years
Very pleased to say that @EmiliaThePlay will be the first West End show to do a performance for parents/carers and babies. LET THEM ROAR. Matinee on Weds 24th April. Thanks @TheGoggin & @mogster for inspiring us. Book at
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Just walked along George 1V bridge and can tell you tha Edinburgh is now full
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Went to #TheOffies last night and it was a real pleasure both inclusive and celebratory. So lovely to see the London theatre which is less widely reviewed getting the profile it deserves
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
@OliverDowden @VisitBritain @HuddlestonNigel Eh, what about theatre? It is as much part of the UK tourism offer as b&bs but it also does crucial work within communities and tells us the stories of who we are and what we dream of back to ourselves. Theatre is collapsing before your very eyes and you do nothing.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
3 years
Great to see so many offers of advice and help from producers at all stages of their careers for the so many affected by the cancellation of @VAULTFestival due to Covid. Sometimes the generosity of theatre folk makes my heart sing.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
A wonderful evening @battersea_arts seeing the grand hall come alive again after the fire with the resumption of the run of Gecko’s Missing. The building is beautiful, the welcome warm, the future bright. A Phoenix indeed
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Lyn Gardner: Theatres must support emerging writers with residencies via @TheStage
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
I think #TwelfthNight would be my desert island Shakespeare play because that gorgeous mix of the melancholic and the comic is irresistible. What would be your choice? @NationalTheatre @StagedoorLDN #NationalTheatreAtHome
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Lyn Gardner: We will face a crisis if early-career theatremakers aren’t supported via @TheStage
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
3 years
So, so sorry to hear this. Such an impact on emerging artists and on a festival that has tried so hard to give them the boost they need at this heartbreaking time.
@wearevault_
VAULT
3 years
It is with broken hearts that we announce the decision to cancel VAULT Festival 2022. Our full statement follows in the thread below and is available now on our website at:
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
If you enjoyed Treasure Island, remember it draws on the talent of actors and artists who work in theatres all over the country. Please donate to your local theatre. They need you. @StagedoorLDN #NationalTheatreAtHome #TreasureIsland
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
Great to see @ace_national showing real leadership and reminding NPOs to honour contracts with freelancers.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
7 years
The Jungle @youngvictheatre is quite remarkable: simple and yet complex; devastating and yet uplifting. Would have made my best of the year if it had opened earlier. Crucial.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Odd how a tiny shift in accommodation location in Edinburgh changes your entire geographical perception of city. I am less than 10 mins walk from where I stayed last year but feels like another world
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
To write a play is an act of bravery, a revolutionary act. @kwamekweiarmah speaking at launch of @bruntwoodprize which is such a brilliant competition because there is not just one winner but many
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
If you enjoyed #StreetcarNamedDesire please donate to British theatre. It will not survive without help from its audiences and the UK government
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
Just arrived @edfringe via the West Coast. First time my journey has involved sheep on the road (twice). Seeing Daughter @canadahubfringe in just over half a hour. No queue @Summerhallery toilets. That won’t last.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
It’s all interconnected. @mrJamesGraham makes point there would be no Quiz or Fleabag on TV without theatre. #bbcqt @RishiSunak
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
#Amadeus was the last #NationalTheatreAtHome show. If you had watched them all in the theatre it would have cost a pretty penny. But they have been free for all. So, if you can, please donate to @NationalTheatre or to your local theatre. @StagedoorLDN
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
Burgerz @travisalabanza @traversetheatre is hugely powerful, hugely funny, hugely angry and very, very huggable. Great show.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
6 years
The wonderful Dance Nation is only on until Saturday @AlmeidaTheatre and there are still tickets available. I wouldn’t want to miss. Definitely in my top 10 of the year so far
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
2 years
Something rather moving about standing in a queue with lots of people all up for seeing art at 10am in the morning @Summerhallery @edfringe
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
7 years
What kind of theatre tells a mother and beautifully behaved baby they can’t return after the interval? The adults eating sweets are far noisier #royalandderngate
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
5 years
Lyn Gardner: Arts Council England should grasp the nettle and help fund Edinburgh Fringe shows via @TheStage
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
4 years
We kid ourselves that theatre is as unlike Uber, which has no cars, or Deliveroo that has no kitchens, as Mary Poppins is from King Herod. But is this true? Theatre has few artists on salary.
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@lyngardner
lyngardner
1 year
What I've liked a lot: Dark Noon, The Ice Hole, Help! I Think I'm a Nationalist, You are Going to Die, Stuntman, Funeral, Woodhill, Birthmarked, Strategic Love Play, Oh My Heart, My Home, Self-Raising, It's a Motherf**king Pleasure, International House of Vape.
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