Well, here we are: a new year and a new decade! As I did going into last year, I just wanted to take a bit of time to reflect on where I’ve been and where I want to go in 2020.

2019 was a pretty immense year for me in terms of being creative as I took some small but important steps. Notably, I had my first ever Press Night as an independent theatre blogger, with a pantomime featuring one of my absolute favourite people. It was something I wanted to do for a long time but I hadn’t had the confidence before, either in my writing ability or in approaching people to say “hey, I’d be interested in doing that, please take a chance on me”. I’m so glad I did, it was really good fun and the lovely reaction I had made me think a change of attitude was in order: just give things a go and you might surprise yourself, and that’s given me a boost to keep trying to contact theatres and people about my writing and see where it might lead.

I’ve also decided to compliment my blog, particularly the theatre element of it by launching the Wheelie Stagey podcast! I’m a recent convert to podcast listening, and as I enjoy them so much I simply thought why not, let’s have some fun! I’m more comfortable with the written word, and thought podcasting would be a fun way to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone. In theory, it shouldn’t be a scary prospect because I’m talking about something I love, but we’ll see how long that lasts…

My own insecurity aside, the response to the podcast idea from my social media blew me away and I’m in the process of planning along with chasing up some really exciting leads – stay tuned!

Staying with theatre for just a few lines more, I saw some incredible shows last year. These included my beloved Broadway gem The Bridges of Madison County that’ll hold a little piece of my heart forever, spent three awesome trips in “The Room Where It Happens” after my indifference to Hamilton did a complete 180, got to see my Broadway Goddess Kelli O’Hara perform again, looked two of my absolute favourite actors Tobias Menzies and Toby Stephens in the eyes as they spoke their lines, and just this week saw a phenomenal production of Gypsy up in Manchester! I’ve got some brilliant shows lined up for this year, and that all kicks off next Saturday 11th January.

2019 was also kind to me in other ways – I adopted my best boy, a Tabby named Milo and he’s changed my life for the better in so many respects. My wonderful choir Bristol Show Choir recorded our album Volume One, and as always there was plenty of time with some of the people I love most.

Though it’s still a struggle to cope with sometimes, I’ve said enough and I’ve upped my meds for my back pain after a conversation with the doctor and I’m waiting for a 2nd referral to the wheelchair centre. I’m not exactly filled with confidence given their last reaction the previous time we raised the issue of the seat being the problem, but it’s done and just a waiting game for now.

So, what about 2020? Aside from getting my podcast set up and running, there are a few other things theatre wise I want to tick off, including a long overdue return to one of my favourites (Lion King), seeing Jenna Russell in Hello Dolly and Paul F Monaghan in Mary Poppins (gotta keep the Bridges… connections going!) and finally catching Dear Evan Hansen.

Elsewhere in life away from theatre, I’m still chasing that elusive job and I spent my New Year’s Day submitting my first application! I’ve also decided, in another solo first: I want to do something a little bit mad or something I’ve never done before to raise money for charity. I know that I’m physically limited, so I could use some help on that score with what I could do – please reach out if you’ve any ideas!

I’m generally in a good place as I start this year, certainly better than last I think in terms of having a focus. Here’s to keeping my creative flame alight and embracing the “why the hell not” in life!

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