Matt Hemley @MattHemley Twitter profile

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Matt Hemley

5 years

I came into work today and my colleagues said they had a present for me for my 40th tomorrow. This actually blew me away - a personalised message from @GloriaEstefan ! My life is made....and I officially have the best colleagues @TheStage ...

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

Sorry but if you tell me you don’t get musicals because “people don’t break out into song in real life” then you’re hanging out with the wrong people

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 months

I’ll never win any prizes for my baking skills but my daughter asked for a cat face cake for her 8th birthday and so I created this. It took most of my evening last night, is an utter mess BUT it’s made with love ❤️

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

Oh dear. A culture secretary who doesn’t even know which theatres his own culture recovery fund supported

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Thank you @piersmorgan & @susannareid100 for challenging this. My daughter has two dads & I want her to live in a world where seeing same-sex couples on a dance show doesn’t cause offence

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

How loud do you think you’ll cheer when the house lights dim on your first trip back to the theatre? How long do you think you’ll clap when the cast take their bows at the end of that show? I think about this a lot & it’s going to feel AMAZING!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

I totally understand the theatre industry anger over images of snooker at the Crucible. It may well have been a pilot event for sports, but at the London Palladium theatre pilot we were all masked up for two hours straight. Why the different rules @OliverDowden ?

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

The moment the lights went out in the West End for Sondheim ❤️

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Just been to a restaurant and these were in the loos. So tempting. But then I remembered Jean Valjean got 19 years just for stealing a mouthful of bread and thought better of it

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

Yes. Next question

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Anyone who thinks performing is low skilled clearly didn’t see 42nd Street at Drury Lane.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

Today in the park a little girl asked my daughter which one of us was her dad. My 5-year-old first pointed at my partner. Then she pointed at me. Then she turned to the other girl & declared loudly “I have 2 daddies!”. I don’t think I’ll ever stop being proud of her!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

Cameron Mackintosh’s response to the musicians who have lost their jobs due to the Phantom orchestra cuts is heartless, insensitive & shows utter contempt for the talent who have made the show the success it was. So disappointing

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

6 years

This is possibly the most touching programme note I've seen. Makes watching the show even more moving. @PippinLDN

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

West End theatres will dim their lights for 2 minutes tonight at 7pm in memory of Angela Lansbury

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

6 years

Shirley: in 7th place it's Kermit & Miss Piggy. In 6th it's Elaine & Barbara In 5th it's Batman & Robin In 4th it's Derek Acorah & Yvette Fielding In 3rd it's Fred & Ginger In 2nd it's Morecambe & Wise In 1st it's Ant & Dec #strictly #shambles

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

The polite answer to this is, none of your f**king business

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Spoke to my mum. She told me Oliver Dowden lives just up the road from her, and then asked me if I wanted her to go and have a word. He does not want to mess with my mum.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

Absolutely delighted & honoured to have been made deputy editor of @thestage . In my 15th year with The Stage, I’m going to embrace this role with renewed vigour & determination to represent this brilliant company, and the amazing industry that is theatre!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

7 years

Coming out at 20, my mum cried thinking she'd never see me married or have kids. Done both of those now. Happy pride! #PrideInLondon

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

18 days

Statement from producers of Player Kings following Ian McKellen’s fall:

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

We both walked our daughter to school today. As the kids lined up, they all started shouting bye to their parents. "Bye mummy," yelled one. "Bye daddy," yelled another. Then, louder than anyone, our daughter: 'Bye daddies!'. Felt quite proud, I tell ya.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

My mum didn’t waste any time

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

I’ve avoided wading into the theatre vs football row until now, but the scenes in the West End tonight are sickening. To see theatres that have been clinging on to survival for a year & a half treated like this simultaneously breaks my heart & enrages me. Utterly appalling.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

A final thought on Phantom. How long before other shows decide they can make do without certain instruments? Until orchestra pits are so greatly reduced that shows are essentially performed to backing tracks? A slippery slope in my opinion. They’re called musicals for a reason.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

So Madonna made every audience member deposit their phone into a pouch, which was then sealed & reopened on leaving the Palladium. No fuss - quick & effective. It meant the show was free from horrid screen lights & everyone was in the moment. Something for theatres to consider?

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

I’m so heartbroken about this. I’ve worked at The Stage for 13 years & I love it wholeheartedly. The people I work alongside are the best. The industry is collapsing - and we are part of it, so inevitably it’s impacted us. Keep supporting, please, and keep fighting ❤️

The Stage

@TheStage

4 years

As a direct result of the Covid-19 crisis, we regret to announce The Stage is entering into a period of redundancy consultations.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

I’ve walked home. Very teary, trying to make sense of it all. Writing for The Stage isn’t just a job. It’s a passion. Tonight my heart has broken for all my friends working in the industry. For audiences who’ll miss out. I know we’ll bounce back. But tonight I just want to cry.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

Watching the BAFTAs and wishing the Olivier Awards had a prime time slot like this so the theatre industry got the respect it so richly deserves. After the two years we’ve had wouldn’t it be great if theatre had that kind of spotlight next month? 💪👏

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

8 years

Coup for the Brits to get Craig David tonight. He's usually making love on a Wednesday #BRITs2016

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

It’s easy to knock Lloyd Webber - his musicals don’t appeal to all, his political stance certainly doesn’t. But I 100% believe that when it comes to fighting for theatre he’s doing it because of his genuine passion & love for it. And that he wants all theatres open. Not just his.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

I walk past this street behind Waterloo fairly often and love it. I’m pretty sure it’s used in TV & films when historic London is depicted. It’s a little slice of days gone by!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

We do know that it was the threat of my mum going round to have a word with Oliver Dowden that did it really, don’t we?!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 months

One of my favourite moments from today - the band at Buckingham Palace playing songs from @MammaMiaMusical . It sounded brilliant!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

Not sure about the new Raoul in Phantom to be honest

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

Ludicrous to think that this morning there are 60 healthy cast and crew from Cinderella sitting at home unable to go to work because of suffocating & unworkable government policy.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

For anyone who wants to know how the Palladium test event worked today - here’s a little thread outlining the different measures. Hope it’s helpful & feel free to ask questions!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

I swear, if any restrictions come into play tomorrow that stop theatres’ reopening plans in their tracks I’m going to go & sing show tunes continuously outside Boris’ bedroom widow until he sorts it out.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

1 year

This is what’s on display at the bar when you order a drink at Kimberly Akimbo…

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

5 years

This is an extraordinary and profoundly moving letter from The Color Purple writer Alice Walker in response to the Seyi Omooba situation... (shared by producer Scott Sanders publicly on Facebook)

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

After eight months, today is my mum’s last day as a vaccinator. She’s jabbed thousands during that time & came out of retirement to do so. Today I’m saluting everyone who’s done their bit during this time to keep us all safe. 💪👏❤️

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

5 years

I think we need a term to describe the small half-turn you make in your seat at the theatre when you hear talking or rustling behind you. It’s not a complete turn & glare, just a small movement that says “I heard you. Don’t make me turn all the way round...”

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Just heard from one West End producer that it’s expected theatres will be closed from tomorrow but central London shops will remain open. If so, it’s completely illogical. Theatres have measures in place to put audience safety first & not one case has been traced back to a venue

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

Growing up I imagined a future in which I’d be a dad, but never knew if that would become a reality. Today the greatest source of pride in my life is my daughter & the family my partner and I have made together. Happy #Pride everyone!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

Am hearing lights will be dimmed across the West End for Stephen Sondheim at 7pm on Monday evening.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

So with Les Mis, Six and Jamie reopening this May the marquees of three major West End theatres - on the same road! - will all be lit. That’s an incredibly strong & important message: theatre is open, theatre is alive & theatre is ready for its audiences! 💪💪

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

5 years

UK: So what happens now? MPs: Another motion in another hall. UK: So what happens now? MPs: Take your picture off another wall. UK: Where are we going to? MPs: We'll get by we always have before UK: Where are we going to? Theresa May: Don't ask any more #brexit

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Andrew Lloyd Webber gives me hope right now! He speaks for all of us in theatre & I have to say, he’s been really supportive of The Stage at this time. He completely gets how the industry needs to work as one.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

1 year

Ps: I’ve included Vanessa Feltz and Alison Hammond’s comments in this article as they were specifically talking about The Bodyguard and why people should be allowed to sing along. I hope this changes their minds

The Stage

@TheStage

1 year

A performance of musical The Bodyguard in Manchester was unable to finish after disruptive audience members resulted in the police being called.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

Today I also want to pay tribute to all front of house staff at theatres up and down the country, doing their best to navigate new policies and to keep audiences safe and informed. And in this extreme heat too! You're all stars and we appreciate you!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

After two horrendous years for theatre, how refreshing to see BBC1 broadcasting this showcase of musicals - highlighting the awesome people & work that populate our stages & reminding us why we need theatre in our lives! Love it! #BigNightOfMusicals 👏🎉💪🎶

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Today I wrote to Number 10’s press office requesting accreditation to ask a question at a forthcoming daily briefing. It’s clear that the theatre sector’s voice needs to heard urgently. They get a lot of requests - but here’s hoping this one makes it through...

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

As one producer just pointed out to me, @OliverDowden sat in the London Palladium on Friday enjoying the panto in a Covid-secure environment. What has changed since then? Why do West End theatres suddenly need to close? Absolutely crazy.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

My last thought of 2020: at some point in the coming year there’ll be a front page of The Stage heralding the reopening of theatres across the country & the return of audiences hungry for live shows. That’s what I’m holding onto anyway. Bring it on! 🤞🤞👍💪❤️

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

Petula Clark is 90 today. 90! I saw her in Mary Poppins a few weeks back & afterwards she came out at stage door where my 6-y-o was waiting. She stopped & said: “You might not recognise me without my costume, but…” and then broke into Feed the Birds right there & then. Legend!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Oh blimey. I tweeted about being a gay dad & same-sex dancing, got retweeted by Piers Morgan & now I’ve been shown what Twitter is like outside of my theatre bubble. Permission to return to safe chat about musicals & Gloria Estefan, sir!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Going to bed wishing I could wake up in 2021 sitting in a theatre filled to capacity, watching a musical with huge song & dance numbers being performed by amazing talent. When that day comes - which it will - just think how amazing it’ll feel. 🎉👏❤️

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

If you’re feeling anxious here are 3 things that helped me during the last lockdown: limiting reading/watching news to just once a day, listening to my favourite songs (Gloria obvs) and a daily walk to clear the head. Keep talking, keep sharing. Solidarity 💪

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

I've had abuse for praising Lloyd Webber. Apparently some people don't think his efforts are genuine, that it's self-serving, & you can't respect his actions given his own political views. All I know is, without him & his company's efforts, theatre would be at a standstill.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

BBC1 showed us last night that theatre can be front & centre, prime time! Let’s hope we get more. With international tourism likely to be dented for some time, TV showcases will be most welcome & important. We need a semi-regular series spotlighting West End & U.K. theatre!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Things are shit but my daughter still finds joy in the simplest of things - such as jumping in puddles while singing. And that made me smile today 😊

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

Taking my daughter to her first West End musical was all I hoped it would be & more! To see her transfixed by the magic of Frozen was emotional. (I also cried when Sven came on!). And if she ends up with just half the love I have for musicals I’ll be a very happy man!😍

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

The @NationalTheatre 's astonishing production of Death of England: Delroy will be streamed for free on YouTube on November 27 at 7pm and is returning to the Olivier Theatre in Spring 2021. Great news!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

6 years

Dear #strictly viewers, If you've never seen a musical, imagine the dancing you've just seen by performers who sing AND act too. Sometimes all at the same time. For 8 shows a week. Now that's impressive!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Don’t mind saying I’ve struggled this week. All the reading/writing bad theatre news since March has left me & my team a little deflated. The 3 of us on the Stage newsdesk love theatre. It’s not just a job. It’s a passion. Fingers crossed for some light soon ❤️

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Today I spoke to Lloyd Webber's team and they confirmed - categorically - that Phantom has not closed for good and will be returning to Her Majesty's Theatre in the West End - as the "brilliant original". Some good news!

The Stage

@TheStage

4 years

Exclusive: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group has moved to quash reports that The Phantom of the Opera has permanently closed in the West End, revealing the musical will return in its original form

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

June 1 and today I officially become deputy editor @TheStage ! 15 years with this incredible company but today a new (ish!) adventure & chapter begins. I’m ready!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

1 year

Last night, the Woman in Black's producer said the show's low prices had "economic-ed it out" of London. “But I would sooner have more young people coming to the theatre than have this play succeed with average prices over £100, which is what the alternative would be," he said.👏

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

He had it coming. He had it coming. He only had himself to blame…

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

Just to say June 22 is my birthday. If all social distancing is gone by then, and we are able to go to the theatre as planned, I will book out a whole venue and treat you all - that's how excited I am. OMG! Theatre is coming back!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

I don’t know if anyone else - like me- is feeling anxious right now. But this is just a tweet of support to all those in theatre desperate for its full return & hoping for some light at the end of this dark tunnel. Hard as it is, we have to believe we’ll get there, right?! 😊

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

When theatres closed, I watched with admiration as theatre friends found jobs elsewhere - in supermarkets, as delivery drivers. They should have done so in the knowledge there'll be an industry to return to - one supported by our leaders. This government has utterly failed them.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

5 years

If you’re at the theatre alone, do you strike up a conversation with the person next to you? Normally I don’t (shy!) but tonight I did & had a fascinating chat about shows with someone from New York. We exchanged emails & I made a new friend..

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

We didn’t need one, but BBC1 just reminded us all of the incredible talent we have in theatre - on & off stage - and what we’re currently missing so greatly. The road ahead is tough, so I hope everything is thrown at theatre to support & enable its strong return. We deserve it.💪

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Les Mis concert returning to the West End at the Sondheim Theatre in December for six weeks. Happy Christmas everyone! 🎉🎉🎉

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

My last thought of the day: this is not the end of The Stage. It’s survived two world wars & is owned & run by a family who love it & will fight to protect it. It’s going through a difficult patch, but here’s to it remaining a key part of this tremendous industry. ❤️

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

6 years

Did anyone else have to do that thing at drama school where you walked around a space & changed direction every time the tutor clapped? I'm still trying to work out what I got from that.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Theatre friends. You are valued, you are viable. And I for one can't wait to see you all back where you belong. There's going to be one hell of an opening night when it's possible. And this government ain't invited.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

How about, when West End shows reopen, they put aside 5 minutes each night before they start to allow recent graduates the chance to sing for the audience? Could make up for the lack of exposure they’ve had during the pandemic...

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

6 years

If you're watching the England game tomorrow, enjoy! And If you're off to see a matinee, enjoy that too! But please, for everyone's sake, don't try & do both at the same time....

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

6 years

Me at the start of #Eurovision vs me at the end of the results.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

At the end of Billy Elliot, a girl aged maybe 5/6 asked her grandma if it was “another break”. Her grandma had to explain, no, the show had ended. The girl looked gutted. “But don’t worry, you could be up there one day,” her grandma added. And the girl’s eyes lit up. The dream!😍

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

Watching Moulin Rouge and husband just said someone should turn it into a stage musical and quite frankly I don’t know how we’ve lasted as long as we have

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

5 years

At a time when councils are scaling back funding for the arts, how refreshing to see a London council making a commitment to ensuring EVERY primary school child can see theatre for free. Future audiences/actors being created right there...

The Stage

@TheStage

5 years

Every primary school child in the London borough of Southwark will receive a free theatre trip annually under plans unveiled by @lb_southwark

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

A producer of one of the shows shut down due to isolation rules told me this is the worst it has been for theatre these past 18 months. And he said he’d not been sleeping or eating properly for fear of waking up to a positive case. The mental health toll of all of this is huge.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

How sad to hear Rose on #Strictly say she doesn’t get to enjoy many musicals because they aren’t accessible.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

1 year

13,232 shows later, The Woman in Black played its last show at the Fortune tonight after 33 years. During that period it also had 6,000 shows on tour & in all this equates to 25,000 weeks of employment for artists and technicians in the show’s company. An incredible achievement!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

So in awe of my daughter. On a fairly regular basis she faces questions from other kids about her family set-up - why do you have two dads? Where’s your mum? She’s only five but she always answers them so eloquently & she makes me so proud!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

A fellow parent (not into musicals) was asking me today what the famous songs from Phantom are & I basically found myself singing every number in what essentially became a one-man version of the show. I’m pretty sure he wished he’d never asked

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

Just remembering the person at @sixthemusical who jumped onto the stage last night during Anna of Cleve’s number and how it was timed so perfectly as Anna of Cleves sang “Get down!” in what basically became an order. Brilliantly handled!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

5 years

Here's the thing: #SeyiOmooba doesn't believe people are born gay. Well, they 100% are. I'll tell you what you're not born as - religious. Religion is something you choose. Sexuality is not. Gay people aren't a 'belief system'. We're real. We exist.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

At the theatre last night I was sat next to a man in his 20s who’d never seen Phantom or much theatre in general. In the interval his sister asked if he was enjoying it & he said he was loving it & wanted to see more. That’s the power of theatre. One show can leave you hooked!

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

When Phantom returns to the West End I think Andrew Lloyd Webber should borrow from this #MaskedSingerUK and hire different musical stars to play the lead each night & we all have to guess who it is. Imagine screaming “take it off! take it off!” at curtain call...

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

2 years

I need a play/musical written about The Queue - the stories of the people in it, the friendships made. A Come From Away style show would work.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

What an afternoon - a proper historic moment being at the Palladium. I choked up when Lloyd Webber welcomed us, I shed actual tears when @Beverleyknight sang Memory. I’ll gather my thoughts & share more later. But the theatre was open, people were in it & it was a joy! ❤️

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Back in a theatre! ❤️

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

Don’t know about anyone else but that BGT performance last night and the Jamie trailer today have left me very emotional all day. I may have mentioned this once or twice, but I bloody love musicals. Always have, always will.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

4 years

I have FIRE in my belly today. Absolute fire. BRING IT ON.

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

I swear, if we don’t have word of theatre reopenings soon I’ll be inviting you all to my local park to watch my one-man Evita performed on the bandstand. Gotta be better than nothing, right?

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

3 years

This video capturing the audience reaction as Wicked returns to Broadway is quite something! I expect similar scenes in London tonight…

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Matt Hemley

@MattHemley

6 years

Actual footage of the Backstreet Boys' original fans enjoying their performance on #Strictly

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