Instagram story viewer> @stevecarter_> Posts

Steve Carter | Theatre Blogger

@stevecarter_

4.8K

followers

2042

following

🎭 Award-Winning Theatre Blogger
📩 PR requests: [email protected]
🏆 Chair of Judging Panel @thespotlightawardsuk
📍 Hampshire, UK

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

After months of planning the inaugural Spotlight Awards played to a full house, bringing together our theatre community for an evening I'll never forget. I wish I could bottle the atmosphere. I stood behind the curtain for a moment before the show soaking in the excitement, and I've never heard roars of cheering like it. Here's a selection of pics from last night and our tech day on Sunday.

I use the word community rather than amateur when describing our local scene, not because I don't like the word amateur, but because community is exactly what it is. We are a community and I feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of it.

This was my first time hosting anything in my life. I was asked beforehand if I was nervous, and honestly I felt like I was coming on stage in front of a theatre full of friends. Thank you to CP and Hannah for sharing the stage with me - I loved being up there with you.

The Spotlight Awards are a platform to show that quality theatre is everywhere, and is for everyone. They exist to amplify and celebrate the vibrant and diverse programme of shows in the Greater Portsmouth area, and to make everyone feel like there is a place for them.

I wasn't lying when I said this has been the best thing I've ever been a part of. To see just how much the evening meant to so many people makes me feel so full. Please continue to share your pictures and videos from last night - I'm loving looking through them all.

Thank you to everyone involved in the evening, and to our incredible performers who set the tone perfectly. I was stood side of stage for every performance and every award beaming with pride.

And finally, the secret award. Thank you Jack and Jules for awarding me with the first Portsmouth Theatres Standing Ovation Award. This award is dedicated to all of the incredible theatre content creators and independent reviewers out there who pour their passion into the industry. I feel very grateful ❤️

Do you want another one? Let's go Spotlight Awards 2027! taken in Theatre Royal by @stevecarter_

182

43

4 months ago

Happy World Theatre Day ❤️🎭✨

#worldtheatreday taken in Theatreland by @stevecarter_

159

6

7 months ago

My 2025 in programme shots! Can you spot any of your favourites?

Thank you for all of your support over the last year! A special shout out to the theatres and PR teams who've welcomed me in 2025, and to the talented theatre creators for giving us all something to dream about.

2026 is already looking exciting - what are you most looking forward to?

#2025theatrewrapped #theatreblogger #musicaltheatre taken in Theatreland by @stevecarter_

95

28

10 months ago

AD | Hello Chickens! Are you ready for a celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and love? ❣️✨

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is now playing at Mayflower Theatre until the 24th of October. Here's a look back at their spectacular press night.

#moulinrougethemusical #mayflowertheatre taken in Mayflower Theatre by @stevecarter_

101

1

14 days ago

Category is signed theatre memorabilia ✍🏻🎭

I love the opportunity to add some signed memorabilia to my collection. Here are some recent additions 😍

Let me know your favourite signed piece you own - feel free to drop a pic in the comments.

#theatrecollection #theatrememorabilia by @stevecarter_

133

7

16 days ago

AD | Happy trails to the company of The Haunting of Hill House who play their final performances at Salisbury Playhouse today before heading out on tour!

Will you be catching the show around the UK? 👻🏠

#thehauntingofhillhouse #salisburyplayhouse #wiltshirecreative taken in Salisbury Playhouse - Official by @stevecarter_

48

3

17 days ago

AD | How are we at the final show of Festival 2026 already? Last night was the press night of Antigone Exits, a retelling of Sophocles' classic tragedy written by Nina Segal.

I think this is my favourite production we've seen in the Minerva this year, with a stark and striking design from Alex Lowde, precise direction from Jeff James, and captivating performances - especially true of Nina Cassells who is razor sharp as Antigone.

After their father's death, Antigone's two brothers agree to alternate ruling of Thebes, but end up killing each other when one refuses to give up the crown. Their uncle Creon becomes king and decides one will get an honorable burial while the other, labeled a traitor, is left discarded. Antigone defies Creon's order and buries her brother, so he sentences her to be sealed alive in a stone tomb.

In this version, a group of actors come together to perform Antigone, breaking away from the narrative throughout to provide additional context and insight, and to deliver monologues of real life stories which all have a thread of connection.

The way the play is presented means you can meet it with whatever knowledge you have about Antigone. I really loved the way the monologues amplified the themes, including a harrowing synergy between this story, and the very real genocide that's currently happening.

Beyond this, I admired how clearly the production explored the dynamics of male rule, and the inflexible grip men hold over law and authority. Creon’s insistence remained unyielding even as his feelings began to push against it. Throughout, Antigone kept repeating that it was her decision and her fault that she would face punishment, whereas in reality, the fault lay firmly in the hands of the man in power.

This is not so much a reimagining of Antigone, but rather a commentary on its relevance in the modern day. It explores how far people are willing to go for what they believe in, and is a reminder to pay attention to the stories that have come before us. Bold, powerful and moving.

#antigoneexits #antigone #chichesterfestivaltheatre taken in Minerva Theatre by @stevecarter_

27

0

18 days ago

AD | A Midsummer Night's Dream is a pulsating neon dream of a production, with clever political undertones and a charismatic cast. Possibly one of my favourite Shakespeare adaptations I've seen - you have until the 17th of October!

#amidsummernightsdream #chichesterfestivaltheatre taken in Chichester Festival Theatre by @stevecarter_

39

6

18 days ago

AD | What a night! Thank you to Mayflower Theatre for hosting such a spectacular evening celebrating the official opening of Moulin Rouge! The Musical in Southampton - complete with crêpes (if you saw me have two no you didn't) and a gorgeous print created by Eve Leoni gifted to every single audience member!

After getting a look behind the scenes last week, and from my memory of seeing the show in London back in 2022, I had high hopes - and they were exceeded! Nate and Verity are sensational as Christian and Satine, and the energy and attitude from the ensemble was off the scale!

It's a show full of standout moments, but my favourites have to be the choreo in Backstage Romance, the vocals in Firework and Roxanne, and the emotional payoff before the encore arrives. I'd love to know your favourite moments too!

Having these big West End musicals come and play an extended run always feels like an event - especially this time with the breathtaking staging, including the huge windmill and elephant, which looks stunning against the red of Mayflower Theatre's auditorium.

I find myself feeling really lucky to have these opportunities - to go from sitting at my desk all day, to putting on some sequins and having the most indulgent evening at the theatre.

If you're planning a visit, or you've already got your tickets booked, I hope you have a spectacular time - and as always, let me know your thoughts on the show!

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is playing in Southampton until the 24th of October before continuing its world tour.

#moulinrougethemusical #mayflowertheatre taken in Mayflower Theatre by @stevecarter_

195

14

20 days ago

AD | Ahead of press night at Mayflower Theatre, I took a peek backstage at Moulin Rouge! The Musical and caught up with Head of Wardrobe Abigail Morgan, along with the world tour's Satine and Christian, Verity Thompson and Nate Landskroner ❣️✨

#moulinrougethemusical #mayflowertheatre taken in Mayflower Theatre by @stevecarter_

164

31

21 days ago

AD | Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Mayflower Theatre - interview coming tonight! For now, here's a first look at the spectacular set ❣️✨

#moulinrougethemusical #mayflowertheatre taken in Mayflower Theatre by @stevecarter_

606

14

22 days ago

Happy 20th anniversary @wickeduk 💚🩷

I've got so many lovely memories from seeing the show at the Apollo Victoria, and out on tour. Here's to many more!

#wicked20 #wickedlondon taken in Apollo Victoria Theatre by @stevecarter_

165

2

22 days ago