Janice’s Lifelong Love of Theatre

Retail Assistant Janice Austin has been a lifelong fan of Theatre, dedicating much of her social life and hard-earned cash to supporting the industry. As for so many people, the theatre offers a unique outlet to get out and enjoy themselves, and on many occasions meeting new friends and enjoying new-found friendship and community. We had the pleasure of speaking to her to find out just what draws her to this wonderful world.

T – So Janice, thank you for joining us here today. A little bird told us that you were quite a fan of the theatre and one particular Tribute show. Is this true?

J – It depends what you mean, quite a fan? I do tend to get very fond of a particular show and then find myself wanting to go to it again and again. [Laughs]

T – Yes indeed, this is exactly what we heard from some guys in a particularly fabulous Frankie Valli tribute, Let’s Hang On! Tell us all about it Janice! Come on, spill the beans! Where did this love affair with theatre start for you?

J – Well, the very first show I ever saw was Me and My Girl in The West End, with Robert Lindsay and Emma Thompson. From the beginning of Act One I was completely transfixed, it was magical, the performance, the lights, the set, everything, I was completely blown away. 

T – So you think that may have been the moment that the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd lured you in? [Laughs]

“From the beginning of Act One I was completely transfixed, it was magical…”

J – Oh definitely, without a doubt, it changed my life completely. I was instantly hooked. I saw Me & My Girl about 40 times in total I think. Of course, being a Londoner I loved it. I made so many friends who were regular to the show and even some stars too. I even made friends with Robert Lindsay.

T- Wow! That’s amazing.

J – When he left the show for Broadway, I told Robert that I’d love to go to support him there on his opening night at The Marquis. He was so humbled that I’d be prepared to do that for him that he arranged all my tickets, flights and accommodation, everything. It was a dream come true for me, it was incredible, he was amazing, there I was, suddenly on Broadway.

T – Wow, what a story, and what a great guy, he sounds amazing, such a lovely gesture. You only get to hear stories of stars in a bad mood and ignoring fans, this is a much-welcomed change. So tell us more about the shows you love or have loved.

J – After Me & My Girl, I went to see the Jersey Boys for the first time at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End. Again, I was instantly hooked at how amazing it was. I’ve always loved Frankie Valli’s music, and it was incredible how similar to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons they sounded! 

T – So would you say that this was perhaps your first visit to a tribute production?

J – Yes, I suppose it was really. I then went to watch another Frankie Valli show, Let’s Hang On at our local theatre, The Gordon Craig, totally expecting it not to be as good as a West End Production. But how wrong I was, I actually thought it was better than The Jersey Boys, so good in fact, that I went to watch it another 20 times.

T – Wow Janice, you don’t do things by half, do you? 20 Times?

J – I love visiting our local theatres. I’m so lucky where I live to be surrounded by such great venues. In the last few years I’ve managed to see shows at The Cresset in Peterborough, the Orchard in Dartford, The Chelmsford Civic, the Wyllyotts in Potters Bar, the Spotlight, Broxbourne, and the Gordon Craig in Stevenage. They’re all equally such great places, but so different at the same time.

Please support your local theatre. In recent times they have come under unprecedented pressure. Many are run with the help of Volunteers and donations. The public are the only people who can ensure their future by buying tickets.

Creative Team