After almost five incredible years of running West End Frame, I have decided the time has come to move on to pastures new.
When I set up a little theatre blog at the beginning of 2012 I had absolutely no idea what a crazy road lay ahead. What happened next blew all expectations, and I have loved (almost) every minute. It has been remarkable to see West End Frame go from a little blog to a fully functioning theatre website, breaking news, reviewing major openings in London and beyond and interviewing all sorts of theatre performers - including several of my absolute icons.
Being the Editor of a website like West End Frame sounds like a dream job, and in many ways it is. Going to glitzy press nights and sitting down to interview inspiring people at the top of their game is a dream; however, there comes a time when reviewing five or sometimes more shows a week, working on up to ten 2,000/3,000 word interviews a month and being on standby for breaking news 24/7 begins to take its toll.
After months of careful consideration, I've come to the very difficult decision to close West End Frame. Leaving West End Frame behind is going be devastating - I love the site; I am passionate about everything we cover, I adore the people I work with day-to-day and, most importantly, have so much respect for West End Frame readers. The dedication of all you hardcore West End Framers over the past five years has been nothing short of astounding, it has meant the world!!
Of course, in true WEF style, West End Frame will not be going out quietly. The next three weeks are going to be full out as we turn up the stagey dial higher than ever. There are still lots of interviews to look forward to, one final West End Frame Award, a few more reviews and hopefully some exciting casting announcements to cover. (Plus, we'll be turning positively emerald as we celebrate Wicked's 10th Anniversary..!)
Next week will be business as normal, and then from Monday 19th September we'll start looking back at the last five years of West End Frame (#BestOfWEF); I'll be spilling the beans on some of my all-time favourite interviewees, looking back at various reviews and celebrating five years of theatrical madness. The final day of West End Frame will be Friday 30th September.
I need to say the biggest of THANK YOUs to everyone who has shown support over the past five years. Let's go out with an almighty bang!!
Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Sorry to see you go! But as a 'critic' in a similar position... I understand. Break a Leg in your pastures new!
ReplyDeleteHelen McWilliams
Www.breakalegreview.com
Really sorry to hear thus news. I come to London once a year (from Australia) and I have come to depend on the all the news and views fro West End Frame).
ReplyDeleteThanks for five terrific years, and I wish you the very best for your future endeavours!
Sorry to see you go Andrew I love to bump into you at press nights and so forth and you have been one of my inspirations for little site! But I do understand how time consuming it is. All the very best and hope to see you again real soon before you depart. Caroline (Carn's Theatre Passion) xx
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSorry to see you go Andrew. One of the best theatre blogs around. You will be missed
ReplyDeleteDavid Burns
Andrew Andrew Andrew. You will be sorely missed. Enjoy your new found freedom and be proud of absolutely everything you have done. Take care and do do do keep in touch. Sammi xxxx
ReplyDeleteWhere will people go for their recycled press releases now? :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome to review shows, at your own pace, for www.stagereview.co.uk any time. I reviewed more than 300 productions last year. With all the preview stuff and 50 odd emails a day to plough through/answer, I know how you feel.
ReplyDeleteHey there, will the site remain online after it stops being updated ? it is a really useful resource.... Hope so!
ReplyDelete