Mates blogger: Matt Merritt
Matt Merritt is one of over 45 theatre bloggers who are part of the MyTheatreMates collective. This page features recent posts from Matt's own website. Take a look at our full list of theatre bloggers and our aggregated feed of all our Mates' posts. We’re always looking for new theatre bloggers. Could that be you? Learn about how to join us.
Matt has been a theatre fan since childhood, regularly visiting theatres in his native Portsmouth and surrounding areas. He has been reviewing for some time, initially for local press outlets before starting his own site, Sitting in the Cheap Seats, in 2013. These days he can generally be found in the front row of the balcony in a theatre in the Southwest (or on trips to London), quietly thankful he is short enough not to notice the lack of legroom!
The latest from Matt's site
Crazy For You @ Chichester Festival Theatre 20th July 2022
The future is bright. The future is… Emerald! 12th July 2022
We should be at Twickenham, and we’re ready to prove it! – The Navy Women’s Rugby team are ready for Inter-Service action 8th April 2022
The Game Changer! Previewing Harlequins Women’s other big game 4th February 2022
Welcome to Bear country! Checking in with Bristol Bears Women. 21st January 2022
Swimming With Sharks! We check in with DMP Sharks to find out more about the club 14th January 2022
London Irish Emeralds hit seven straight wins to begin their season in style! 7th December 2021
Match Report: UK Armed Forces Men v Rugby for Heroes 18th November 2021
Taking a guess at the Red Roses team to take on New Zealand 28th October 2021
Emma Swords on The Allianz Cup, Harlequins Women’s season so far and more. 27th October 2021
Red Roses announce Autumn Internationals squad 7th October 2021
Five questions ahead of the Red Roses squad announcement 5th October 2021
Fill Your Boots launch grassroots rugby social network 5th October 2021
UK Armed Forces Women v Equipe de France Militaire Féminine. 30th September 2021
Premier 15s season preview: A few thoughts on every team 3rd September 2021
So how did the first London Irish Women talent ID day turn out? We find out! 30th August 2021
Oleanna @ Mast Mayflower Studios 6th July 2021
Donmar Warehouse announce new season featuring Rory Kinnear and Kit Harington 30th June 2021
Hamilton and Me by Giles Terera 30th June 2021
Copenhagen @ Mayflower Mast Studios 29th June 2021
Mill at Sonning announce cast for Christmas musical Top Hat! 28th June 2021
A year out from the World Cup we check in with Simon Middleton for a Red Roses status check. 17th June 2021
RSC release programme of family events for the summer 16th June 2021
Cheap Seats Sports’ big Allianz Premier 15s semi final preview! 19th May 2021
RSC Announce Casting for The Comedy Of Errors 17th May 2021
London Irish launch professional women’s team 11th May 2021
MATCH REPORT: Wasps Ladies 62-12 Bristol Bears. A big win at Twyford Avenue 9th May 2021
“This is the club I want to be at so I’ll keep going until the wheels fall off!” – Reflecting on his journey so far with Ollie Hoskins 15th April 2021
A glimpse into life in the England Rugby camp with Red Roses Amy Cokayne and Leanne Riley 9th April 2021
Women’s Six Nations: A few thinking points from week one. 4th April 2021
England Women prepare for a Six Nations with a difference 27th March 2021
Disney’s The Lion King sets date for West End return 22nd March 2021
“It’s been a tough road, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” We talk to London Irish fan favourite Lovejoy Chawatama 20th March 2021
“We’re a growing side, I know there’s plenty of improvement in us” – The future looks bright for London Irish 4th March 2021
Speculating On The England Squad – Six players who could be on the Red Roses Radar 19th February 2021
Harlequins promote inclusion with LGBTQ+ Supporters Association 15th February 2021
An exciting opportunity! Chatting to Gloucester-Hartpury Women coach James Forrester 5th February 2021
We brought in some experience and the young lads are learning from it – Declan Kidney & Agustin Creevy talk London Irish. 4th February 2021
Here’s my line up of players I love to watch… Because #ICare! 16th January 2021
Taking on Europe! George Nott on the Exiles Challenge Cup opponents and more. 20th December 2020
There’s a legacy here and we want to build on it! Theo Brophy Clews on the future of London Irish. 12th December 2020
A New Beginning for London Irish 25th November 2020
MATCH REPORT: England 25-23 France. A pitched battle in an empty stadium! 22nd November 2020
Megan Mullally and Robert Lindsay to star in Anything Goes 20th November 2020
World Cup Draw reactions with Sarah Hunter and Simon Middleton 20th November 2020
The Sky Is The Limit! We catch up with Red Roses flying fullback Ellie Kildunne 19th November 2020
Matthew Horne and more join The Understudy at the Palace Theatre 19th November 2020
Returning To The Red Roses: We chat with Laura Keates 12th November 2020
Crave @ Chichester Festival Theatre 3rd November 2020
Setting sights on the Grand-Slam with England fly-half Zoe Harrison 1st November 2020
A perfect start to the season. Beth Wilcock tells us about Harlequins’ big win! 15th October 2020
Kicking off the new season with Nicky Ponsford 12th October 2020
Death Drop to open in the West End 12th October 2020
Premier 15s are back! We preview the return of elite women’s rugby. 6th October 2020
Astrom Club will open soon…. 26th September 2020
Enough? You Are All So Much Better Than That! 28th August 2020
Trekking From Twickers with Rugby Against Cancer 9th August 2020
Could Welsh and Scottish teams join the Premier 15s? 3rd August 2020
Premier 15s signings round up… So far! 26th July 2020
The Podcasts keeping me sane through lockdown! 27th April 2020
You don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone… 17th April 2020
Katy Daley-Mclean signs for Sale! 17th April 2020
Setting Up At The Stoop. We chat Red Roses and Harlequins with Emily Scott 6th March 2020
“I revel in it!” Lark Davies talks about life as a full-time pro player 22nd February 2020
The Richmond Rivalry – previewing this weekend with Sonia Green 15th February 2020
Packing Down With Vickii and Shaunagh 7th February 2020
Royal Shakespeare Company Announce Winter Season 2020 4th February 2020
On the eve of the Six Nations we speak with England flier Abby Dow 1st February 2020
Shakespeare’s Globe announces Summer Season 2020 22nd January 2020
A Bright Future – We chat with Richmond Women’s Sadia Kabeya 17th January 2020
Shakespeare’s Globe announces casting for The Taming of the Shrew and Women Beware Women. 10th January 2020
The Wizard Of Oz @ Chichester Festival Theatre 19th December 2019
Celebrating Victory with Zoe Aldcroft 13th November 2019
Focusing On France – We check in with Jess Breach & Simon Middleton 8th November 2019
Les Miserables @ Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 2nd November 2019
The Pirate Queen Sets Sail from the Coliseum! 1st November 2019
Scoring tries and studying – We chat with Rhona Lloyd! 11th October 2019
Macbeth @ Chichester Festival Theatre 28th September 2019
Towards Zero @ The Mill At Sonning 17th August 2019
The Jamie Lloyd Company Announces Cyrano de Bergerac Starring James McAvoy 29th July 2019
Oklahoma! @ Chichester Festival Theatre 23rd July 2019
Curtain Up – All The News From The Last Week 21st July 2019
Initial Casting Announced for The Prince Of Egypt 18th July 2019
Rock of Ages @ Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 17th July 2019
Plenty @ Chichester Festival Theatre 14th June 2019
Matilda The Musical @ Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 13th June 2019
Shadowlands @ Chichester Festival Theatre 3rd May 2019
This Is My Family @ The Minerva Theatre, Chichester 30th April 2019
test 19th April 2019
Swan Lake @ Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 20th February 2019
Chichester Festival Theatre Announce 2019 Season 14th February 2019
Mischief Theatre Announce Residency At The Vaudeville and new show Groan Ups 27th January 2019
American Idiot @ Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 25th January 2019
Shakespeare’s Globe announces Summer Season 2019 9th January 2019
The future is bright. The future is… Emerald! 12th July 2022
We should be at Twickenham, and we’re ready to prove it! – The Navy Women’s Rugby team are ready for Inter-Service action 8th April 2022
The Game Changer! Previewing Harlequins Women’s other big game 4th February 2022
Welcome to Bear country! Checking in with Bristol Bears Women. 21st January 2022
Swimming With Sharks! We check in with DMP Sharks to find out more about the club 14th January 2022
London Irish Emeralds hit seven straight wins to begin their season in style! 7th December 2021
Match Report: UK Armed Forces Men v Rugby for Heroes 18th November 2021
Taking a guess at the Red Roses team to take on New Zealand 28th October 2021
Emma Swords on The Allianz Cup, Harlequins Women’s season so far and more. 27th October 2021
Red Roses announce Autumn Internationals squad 7th October 2021
Five questions ahead of the Red Roses squad announcement 5th October 2021
Fill Your Boots launch grassroots rugby social network 5th October 2021
UK Armed Forces Women v Equipe de France Militaire Féminine. 30th September 2021
Premier 15s season preview: A few thoughts on every team 3rd September 2021
So how did the first London Irish Women talent ID day turn out? We find out! 30th August 2021
Oleanna @ Mast Mayflower Studios 6th July 2021
Donmar Warehouse announce new season featuring Rory Kinnear and Kit Harington 30th June 2021
Hamilton and Me by Giles Terera 30th June 2021
Copenhagen @ Mayflower Mast Studios 29th June 2021
Mill at Sonning announce cast for Christmas musical Top Hat! 28th June 2021
A year out from the World Cup we check in with Simon Middleton for a Red Roses status check. 17th June 2021
RSC release programme of family events for the summer 16th June 2021
Cheap Seats Sports’ big Allianz Premier 15s semi final preview! 19th May 2021
RSC Announce Casting for The Comedy Of Errors 17th May 2021
London Irish launch professional women’s team 11th May 2021
MATCH REPORT: Wasps Ladies 62-12 Bristol Bears. A big win at Twyford Avenue 9th May 2021
“This is the club I want to be at so I’ll keep going until the wheels fall off!” – Reflecting on his journey so far with Ollie Hoskins 15th April 2021
A glimpse into life in the England Rugby camp with Red Roses Amy Cokayne and Leanne Riley 9th April 2021
Women’s Six Nations: A few thinking points from week one. 4th April 2021
England Women prepare for a Six Nations with a difference 27th March 2021
Disney’s The Lion King sets date for West End return 22nd March 2021
“It’s been a tough road, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” We talk to London Irish fan favourite Lovejoy Chawatama 20th March 2021
“We’re a growing side, I know there’s plenty of improvement in us” – The future looks bright for London Irish 4th March 2021
Speculating On The England Squad – Six players who could be on the Red Roses Radar 19th February 2021
Harlequins promote inclusion with LGBTQ+ Supporters Association 15th February 2021
An exciting opportunity! Chatting to Gloucester-Hartpury Women coach James Forrester 5th February 2021
We brought in some experience and the young lads are learning from it – Declan Kidney & Agustin Creevy talk London Irish. 4th February 2021
Here’s my line up of players I love to watch… Because #ICare! 16th January 2021
Taking on Europe! George Nott on the Exiles Challenge Cup opponents and more. 20th December 2020
There’s a legacy here and we want to build on it! Theo Brophy Clews on the future of London Irish. 12th December 2020
A New Beginning for London Irish 25th November 2020
MATCH REPORT: England 25-23 France. A pitched battle in an empty stadium! 22nd November 2020
Megan Mullally and Robert Lindsay to star in Anything Goes 20th November 2020
World Cup Draw reactions with Sarah Hunter and Simon Middleton 20th November 2020
The Sky Is The Limit! We catch up with Red Roses flying fullback Ellie Kildunne 19th November 2020
Matthew Horne and more join The Understudy at the Palace Theatre 19th November 2020
Returning To The Red Roses: We chat with Laura Keates 12th November 2020
Crave @ Chichester Festival Theatre 3rd November 2020
Setting sights on the Grand-Slam with England fly-half Zoe Harrison 1st November 2020
A perfect start to the season. Beth Wilcock tells us about Harlequins’ big win! 15th October 2020
Kicking off the new season with Nicky Ponsford 12th October 2020
Death Drop to open in the West End 12th October 2020
Premier 15s are back! We preview the return of elite women’s rugby. 6th October 2020
Astrom Club will open soon…. 26th September 2020
Enough? You Are All So Much Better Than That! 28th August 2020
Trekking From Twickers with Rugby Against Cancer 9th August 2020
Could Welsh and Scottish teams join the Premier 15s? 3rd August 2020
Premier 15s signings round up… So far! 26th July 2020
The Podcasts keeping me sane through lockdown! 27th April 2020
You don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone… 17th April 2020
Katy Daley-Mclean signs for Sale! 17th April 2020
Setting Up At The Stoop. We chat Red Roses and Harlequins with Emily Scott 6th March 2020
“I revel in it!” Lark Davies talks about life as a full-time pro player 22nd February 2020
The Richmond Rivalry – previewing this weekend with Sonia Green 15th February 2020
Packing Down With Vickii and Shaunagh 7th February 2020
Royal Shakespeare Company Announce Winter Season 2020 4th February 2020
On the eve of the Six Nations we speak with England flier Abby Dow 1st February 2020
Shakespeare’s Globe announces Summer Season 2020 22nd January 2020
A Bright Future – We chat with Richmond Women’s Sadia Kabeya 17th January 2020
Shakespeare’s Globe announces casting for The Taming of the Shrew and Women Beware Women. 10th January 2020
The Wizard Of Oz @ Chichester Festival Theatre 19th December 2019
Celebrating Victory with Zoe Aldcroft 13th November 2019
Focusing On France – We check in with Jess Breach & Simon Middleton 8th November 2019
Les Miserables @ Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 2nd November 2019
The Pirate Queen Sets Sail from the Coliseum! 1st November 2019
Scoring tries and studying – We chat with Rhona Lloyd! 11th October 2019
Macbeth @ Chichester Festival Theatre 28th September 2019
Towards Zero @ The Mill At Sonning 17th August 2019
The Jamie Lloyd Company Announces Cyrano de Bergerac Starring James McAvoy 29th July 2019
Oklahoma! @ Chichester Festival Theatre 23rd July 2019
Curtain Up – All The News From The Last Week 21st July 2019
Initial Casting Announced for The Prince Of Egypt 18th July 2019
Rock of Ages @ Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 17th July 2019
Plenty @ Chichester Festival Theatre 14th June 2019
Matilda The Musical @ Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 13th June 2019
Shadowlands @ Chichester Festival Theatre 3rd May 2019
This Is My Family @ The Minerva Theatre, Chichester 30th April 2019
test 19th April 2019
Swan Lake @ Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 20th February 2019
Chichester Festival Theatre Announce 2019 Season 14th February 2019
Mischief Theatre Announce Residency At The Vaudeville and new show Groan Ups 27th January 2019
American Idiot @ Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 25th January 2019
Shakespeare’s Globe announces Summer Season 2019 9th January 2019