Dear Kelli,

I’ve no idea wether you’ll see this, and I don’t expect you to read it – but I wanted to try and get these words down all the same; because they are important to me, and I wanted to get them out there.

Theatre has been somewhat of a lifeline for me given the ways in which my disability can limit my life, especially the musical variety. I started going to the West End regularly in 2011, and haven’t looked back since – I’ve made so many friends  through it, friendships that have transcended distance and time between meetups. I think my passion has made me a better person: I’m definitely more confident, and seeing and  hearing all these incredible stories play out on stage has inspired me to follow my dream to be a writer!

I remember the night I first heard your voice so vividly. It was in March of 2016, and I was listening to the cast recording of The Bridges of Madison County – it was late and I should have been sleeping… I didn’t. It broke me, in the most utterly joyous and heartbreaking way possible. The story moved me so deeply and profoundly, I adored the mix of styles in the music and of course, all those incredible voices, led by yourself and Steven. By the time I got to Always Better, the tears were streaming down my face and I had the most ridiculous goosebumps. I felt every word you sang with such intensity that I rarely get from just listening to a musical, and it’s forever going to be one of my biggest theatre regrets that I wasn’t able to travel and see it – I settled for living vicariously through my friends already in the States, or those for whom overseas travel is easier. The musical inspired me to later read the book and see the film, and I listen to it everyday – I even have an artwork I commissioned featuring all my favourite musicals and yourself and Steven feature as you do on the album’s artwork!

I’d be lying if I told you that how difficult travel is in my circumstances doesn’t get me down sometimes – I love the West End but for me Broadway feels more ambitious and adventurous in the kinds of work they put on, and there are so many talented American performers who I hold dear to my heart, yourself included. I was lucky enough to go back in 2014, and it was the most brilliant vacation. My dad came with and as such we managed the flight as he was able to lift me out of my wheelchair and into the seat on the plane and so on. Sadly, it’s not been an experience I’ve been able to repeat now my parents are older and my carers can’t lift me that way. So, I’m back to admiring you from afar as an ocean’s in the way, surfing YouTube for every snippet I can get my hands on, and eagerly awaiting reports from my Stateside pals. Still, I held on to the faint glimmer of hope that one day I’d be able to see you perform in the flesh…

Then, on 21st July 2017, that wish came true, when I saw The King And I for the first time!Seeing a performer you admire is always a special thing; but seeing them when you thought you would never have the chance too because of your disability and the issue it presents to travelling abroad is something else entirely. My joy at being able to be in the same space as you and watch you work was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced; I was so emotional and excited, and many a tear was shed! The depth and sensitivity you gave to Anna was astonishing, and your wonderful vocal fits those gorgeous melodies like a glove. Hello Young Lovers was a highlight of mine and come interval I felt like I’d combust from sheer joy, but also oddly sad that I wouldn’t get to see this incredible show for the first time ever again.

We met that night at Stage Door, and I tried, very inarticulately to explain all this to you; but I’ve always been better with the written word. In all honesty, I was just grateful that I managed to string a  coherent sentence together in front of you, and will be forever grateful for your warmth, kindness and patience.

Once was never going to be enough for this show, and I returned in late August to something that was even more exquisite the second time around. I didn’t get to say this to you the second time, and as the first was such a giddy, nervous mess on my part, I’ll try again now.

Thankyou, M’am, for the joy you continually bless my life with. It meant so much for me to see you and I hope one day I’ve the honour of repeating the experience. Until that time, please know that I’ll always be sending my love and support across that pesky pond.

With more gratitude than I have suitable words to express,

Kerrie x