When did you catch the theatre bug? (VIDEO)

Every theatregoer has their own story about what and who turned them on to theatre. For me, growing up in the United States, it all started with Andrew Lloyd Webber. Years later, after moving to London, I got to meet him and work for his company, the Really Useful Group.

This video blog – using my still very fledgling filming and editing skills (please bear with me)! – tells the story of my family and our first Phantom of the Opera experience, involving Michael Crawford, food poisoning, embarrassment on Rodeo Drive and the problem with ticket touts.

What’s your theatre bug story? Please tell me below or tweet me @TerriPaddock.

Tags: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cats, David Cassidy, Inspiring people, Inspiring productions, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Michael Crawford, Thanks for the memories, The Phantom of the Opera

About the Author: Terri Paddock

Since 1996, I have been passionate about promoting UK theatre, not least through WhatsOnStage.com and the WhatsOnStage Awards, which I founded, and my latest theatre websites, StageFaves.com, a pioneering social media directory for musicals, and MyTheatreMates.com, a portal for theatre bloggers I co-founded with Mark Shenton. In addition, I have hosted hundreds of post-show Q&As, panel debates and other talks with all types of theatremakers. I have also written for various publications including The Times, Evening Standard, Express and Daily Telegraph, and have commented on theatre in a wide variety of print, digital, and broadcast media. Apart from my love of theatre, I am the author of two published novels, Come Clean and Beware the Dwarfs. Follow me on Twitter @TerriPaddock.