The West End Wonder

Thirteen-year-old Kira Gorman couldn’t stop staring at the bright lights in front of her. Watching the West End hit ‘Defying Gravity’ being belted out made the teenager realise her passion. It was this moment Kira knew what she wanted to do with her life, she wanted to write about the West End.

Photo credit; Andy Roberts

Kira, now 21, started her own blog, The WestEnd Voice, which has gone on to amass an incredible amount of readers and subscribers. The blog gains thousands of hits every month. Kira says, “It still has a way to go before it is of an acceptable standard in my eyes but I get consistent viewing figures from around the world which I am very pleased about.”

For us, The West End Voice stands out from similar West End based blogs because it also features exclusive interviews with West End stars. Kira has interviewed Miss Honey from Matilda (Emily Shaw) and Neil McPherson who is the artistic director of Finborough Theatre.

Not only that, the writer is a far cry from the West End stereotype. Kira’s blog offers a fresh breath of reviewing to the West End world. Is this a sign of the old fashioned way of reviewing moving on? We think so!

Not bad for a thirteen-year-old girl who went to see Wicked with her family. The West End Voice is an original blog, which features reviews, performance times and so much more. Looking at the blog, you wouldn’t think the writer is a final year university student.

Kira is part of a social group called #LDNTheatreBloggerswhich is made up of people with an avid mutual interest in theatre. For Kira, this group is essential for helping her to develop her ideas and keeping her motivated to work towards her dream.

“We are a growing group of theatre and lifestyle bloggers who regularly have meet ups and outings to shows and we have even been invited to events as a collective group such as Dirty Rotten Scoundrels digital press night and Into the Woods private screenings. It is lovely to be part of a wider group who have the same interests and can help you get contacts,” Kira says.

Rebecca Felgate, a 26-year-old former university student, set it up. She says she wishes she thought to set up the group earlier because since leaving university she realises a lot of employers look for experience. “We want to help develop and support writers of all strengths and experience levels who are forward thinking enough to run their own blog,” the Official Theatre editor says.

Rebecca has helped Kira develop the West End Voice blog. It all started when she voiced her ideas which Kira’s friends and family really liked and with the help from #LDNTheatreBloggers, the West End Voice became a blog which attracts more attention than Kira thought possible.

The #LDNTheatreBloggers are able to obtain free tickets to see West End shows. Rebecca said she had arranged a group outing to see Les Misérables, which Kira was attending. This is one of Kira’s favourite West End shows.

According to Rebecca, Kira is one of the more proactive members of the group because she runs her own blog and she has managed to get exclusive interviews with West End stars; something you wouldn’t expect from a 21-year-old!

Rebecca says, “Having strong interests in something, such as a hobby, helps you stand out from the crowd. Similarly, those who have developed their own blog and built up their work experience portfolio also look like more attractive candidates for employment.”

Kira falls into this category thanks to her outstanding blog. She has recently won second place in Jonny Ross’ Top 12 Female Bloggers in London award. To even be considered by one of the top social media agencies is amazing. The student says, “To be successful in something you have to have a passion for it and I hope my passion for theatre shines in my blog. That doesn't mean I rave about everything I see because some productions have been less than pleasing but it means you have background knowledge for the industry which influences your writing.”