jessica--may--blog

[jessica--may--blog]

three things my mind turns to to block out the demons💛

I’ve been meaning to type this one for a few days now, and I’ve finally decided to sit down and get around to doing so!

I am well aware everyone can be affected by mental illness in many different ways, so I don’t type this out as a ‘cure’ for everyone who battles with anxiety; I just wanted to put it out there as possible inspiration.

so, as many who know me well will know, I have battled anxiety since my teenage years; it’s only recently it’s become a little tougher to control.

my mind will tell me every possible reason not to do something. the demons in my mind will be so sure everything will go wrong, everyone will dislike me, or that I’m not good enough, and what’s fascinated and scared me about anxiety, is just how much it can control you and your every move. you can actually become convinced by these thoughts, and it can stop you living. you can think every irrational thing could go wrong with even just walking in public places, and sometimes I even feel ashamed. I feel like I’ll be judged if I open up and explain why I don’t want to go somewhere, and so I probably instead end up looking unsociable or unwilling to make effort.

I assure anyone reading this I am far from these things!

I’ve been in previous relationships in which the guys haven’t understood this, and that’s ok, because I at the time can see now that I may not have understood what was wrong with me myself. I say wrong...nothing was ‘wrong’ with me. nothing is ‘wrong’ with me; I’m just tackling something that not everyone can fully understand yet, and that’s ok.

I’m learning more about it daily, because I’m growing as a person daily.

I thought I’d share with you my three main things I turn to to tackle those demons that will tell you not to do something, or give you every possible reason why you shouldn’t even try to do something or go somewhere.

1. working out •

I know a LOT of people will say the same thing, infact I know a lot of people HAVE said this. I can’t emphasise just how much truth they speak though.

now I’m not saying you need to be the fittest person in the world, need to be able to run long distance or hold a plank for more than 10 seconds to be able to turn to fitness, because that would be impossible for every single person I know. we are all different, we all have different abilities and lifestyles, and that’s ok.

I suffered my worst stint of anxiety in my second year of living in london. I wasn’t healthy, and I certainly was not physically fit let alone mentally. I was eating all the wrong things (if anything at all), I was constantly poorly; I was at my weakest.

I discovered a couple when I was at university who call themselves ‘fitness blender’. they post free videos on youtube, and they also have a website in which you can create an account and purchase programmes for as little as £8/9.

I began running and working out a lot more in that second year living in london. I began learning about my strengths both mentally and physically, and the more I worked out and ran, the more the weaknesses in my mind were pushed to the very back of my thoughts, because I was focusing and learning about what I COULD do and what I could push myself to learn to do, my anxiety was kept at bay. my panic attacks became far less frequent, and I started believing in myself again.

people have assumed I workout because I want to look good, and that’s ok. I don’t disagree, of course I’d like to look good! that’s a complete bonus to all the hard work; however I hope whoever reads this can now also see it from another side. the side in which the main reason I turn to exercise is to help my mental state of mind. I’m at my absolute strongest when I involve a fitness programme in my daily routine. I feel positive; even if I begin the day feeling negative (sometimes you can’t avoid feeling down!) I come out of a workout feeling positive. (I know that’s also down to the scientific medically proven side of things, like endorphins being released!) I’ve worked out at least 5 days a week for the past year or so, and I don’t intend to stop anytime soon.

💛

2. theatre •

this one is probably something NO ONE who knows me will be surprised about.

I studied theatre at both college and university; I basically live for theatre. it’s a HUGE chunk of my life. I’m pretty sure my heart beats to the beat of showtunes 😉

so it’s only natural this number two in my three things to help me.

you could say it helps me to immerse myself in a song or a monologue, or dance in a group (even though I wouldn’t call what I do dancing��...) because for those couple of minutes, seconds, or even hours, I am not me.

theatre gives you the ability and opportunity to become someone else, forget your story and live another persons life.

I have seen so many pieces of theatre over the years, and thanks to theatre I’ve met some of the most inspirational and kind people. theatre, I personally think is hugely underrated STILL. I still don’t think it’s shown nearly as much respect as it should be.

the most recent musicals to completely steal my heart are ‘half a sixpence’, ‘phantom of the opera’, ‘mamma mia’, ‘hello dolly!’, ‘kinky boots’ and ‘dear evan hansen’.

I could probably go on...and on...and on (trust me, I could), but these are the top six shows at the very least. through these shows I can escape reality for even just a couple of hours; I use pretty much all of the cast recordings from these musicals as workout inspiration and motivation. (seriously!) I can’t tell you how many times I workout to ‘put on your sunday clothes’ a week...

the people I’ve met through these particular shows (excluding deh because sadly I haven’t yet seen it. YET) have changed my life in one way or another. no, they aren’t close and personal friends, BUT in some cases they’ve shown me such kindness, love and support that it really doesn’t matter if I know about what they do on the weekends, or if we meet for coffee and catch ups. what matters is that they are there, sometimes without even knowing.

nothing is more beautiful than sitting and being welcomed into in a completely different world for just over two hours, and nothing is more beautiful than knowing that those people who work their butts off to help you forget reality and create that world, are also willing to show you love and respect.

💛

3. support •

this is probably...ok, it IS the most important thing.

I would suffer so terribly with battling with my mind constantly, if I didn’t have the support of my friends, family, and even those who may not know me well but show love and kindness.

not everyone in my family understands anxiety. that’s OK

not all of my friends understand anxiety. that’s OK

not everyone on my social media feed understands anxiety. that’s OK so long as they aren’t rude...(I’ve read some rude posts recently about how anxiety is an excuse for not being able to handle reality...💩)

what matters, is that they want to be there for me. they give me the patience I need, the love I need, and the support. it’s never one sided, I should add that in! I always want to be able to show the same patience love and support in return, and I hope they know that. if you’re reading this, and you support me daily, even if we don’t speak every day, thank you 💛

I know my anxiety will always be here. it’s a part of me now, it’s been in my life for over 8 years and there are still days in which I struggle more than others. I’m still learning so many things about it. I’m still learning about how others deal with it; lavender scents for example...yoga...everyone deals with it in their own unique way, and I just wanted to share three of my approaches.

if you’ve read this to the end, thanks for reading yet another ramble of mine💛

mental health is being talked about a lot more now. it’s being discussed and people are trying to understand it and find solutions, and it’s great. it’s great to know that you aren’t being frowned upon or thought of as weak.

it’s great to know you are never alone

💛

[jessica--may--blog]

Enjolras of the 2016/17 London Cast

Chris Cowley (principal) Jonny Purchase (1st cover, Feuilly) Steffan Harri (2nd cover, Combeferre)

[jessica--may--blog]

Hello, Dolly! | Broadway | February 7, 2018 Bernadette Peters as Dolly Gallagher Levi “Hello, Dolly!”

[jessica--may--blog]

the number on the scales

‪I’ve just finished reading an article all about women who have lost inches and toned up their bodies, yet gained numbers on the scale.

this is not a long post; I just found I couldn’t type everything I wanted to in a tweet with limited characters.

so, I am fitter and healthier than I’ve ever been. I lead a pretty active lifestyle (working out 5-6 times a week with workouts lasting between 30-40 minutes is the basis I work with) and my diet is based around fruit, veg, and the correct nutrients and protein fuelled foods needed to keep my body going and keep it healthy.

my family own scales...I believe there is only one set and I have only ever actually stepped on them a few times in the time we’ve owned them.

now,

two years ago my scales read that I was around 12 stone. I don’t feel shame in sharing this number by the way; I know society teaches us what size is deemed appropriate and what WEIGHT is deemed appropriate. I know how many times I’ve been to the doctors and they’ve asked me if I workout at all or eat fruit because I’m a ‘little over the appropriate reccomended bmi’...I also know that if I was ‘the appropriate bmi I’d have to be around 9 stone and a size 8.....so...yeah

I know we are constantly fed all this complete rubbish about how if we aren’t a particular size or weight we won’t be accepted or loved..bla bla bla....I would hope anyone reading this will KNOW size and weight are not the main factor about ANY person anyway,

but, as I was saying, I was around 12 stone two years ago. I lived off a diet of complete RUBBISH. ok, I’ll list to you below what an average month would be like in my diet:

• super noodles

• tesco ready meals (cheapest possible)

• energy drinks

• fizzy drinks

• pasta

• water

• teatoxing

...that is quite literally it. that’s how I lived. I was trying to workout and live a similar lifestyle then as to now on just that list. I was unwell a LOT, and can you really say you’re surprised after reading that?

I now weigh 13 stone. I’ve put on a stone in two years. I’ve done this by doing something doctors don’t ever assume. not by eating the WRONG foods and doing bare minimum amounts of exercise no no, but by eating all the RIGHT nutrients and doing LOTS of activity and exercise.

my POINT here is that those nasty things we call scales told me I’ve gained a stone in two years, yet my body has toned up, I’ve lost inches, and I’m feeling stronger and healthier than I have ever felt. I can lift weight I never thought I could, I can run regularly, I can do burpees for 20 seconds at a time in a programme three times over, and I can hold a plank for at least a minute and a half.

PLEASE DO NOT LIVE LIFE BASED ON WHAT THE SCALES SAY

please don’t, just do not do it

don’t base any part of your lifestyle around a number, because honestly it’s not worth it. it’ll control your mind, it’ll have you cutting food out of your lifestyle and it’ll have you working out with all the wrong energy in your body, and for what? an electronic devices number to make you happy?

live your best life and live for the NOW

if you want to lose weight stick to balanced lifestyle choices and active physical choices also.

I type this because I have been there; I’ve measured my worth and life based on what the scales say; I’ve been miserable and felt worthless if they don’t say what I want. to me? scales are like trolls. they never make me feel better, and even when I KNOW how fit I’m getting and how well I eat, they can still make me doubt myself.

if I can stop one person turning constantly to scales and judging themselves based on that number, I’ll be happy.

x

[jessica--may--blog]

this very much applies and appeals to me as I have always had curves, and I’ve always had to fight demons telling me I’m fat or/and ugly because of them. however I’m against all forms of body shaming so please do not feel I’m posting this like it’s the only appropriate body shape there is in my eyes. ❤️ . • we are put on the planet once. if I want to occasionally indulge in chocolate or pizza, nothing will stop me. . . • on the contrary to a rude person who I have since blocked as I do not want to read anymore of his nasty opinions, I am NOT on a diet. I was on diets on and off the majority of my teenage years...and it is not a word that should be used lightly. I sometimes stopped eating altogether for periods of time for fear of calories, binge ate and then felt absolutely awful, or went on yet another ‘fad diet’ in hope I’d be a size 8 by the end it. dieting can take over your life for the worst, it can control every single thing you think let alone do, and it can even lead you down the path of eating disorders and over punishing your body, and the last thing I workout for or eat so much healthy good lovely food for is to try to change a poxy dress size or number on a scale. none of that defines me or makes me any stronger as a person both mentally and physically; so the next time you throw that word at me do not be surprised if I am offended by it. . . • I DO use the fitbit app to track calories in and out. I’m not obsessed with using it no, but having an idea of what you’re putting in vs what you’re burning off is a good thing to have when you workout and burn as much as I. I am fully aware of what I consume, and on average I eat around 2,000 calories daily, but if I want a naughty evening or weekend with friends and family that can sometimes end up being 2,500. the main thing is to never feel bad when it fluctuates. . . learn to LOVE your body no matter what your size. sure you can base your lifestyle around the good, whole and wonderful foods there are on this planet, but never try to make another person or yourself feel bad for occasionally stepping away from salad and turning to a pizza. I’d rather have some lumps & bumps if it means I can enjoy life. ❤️

[jessica--may--blog]

assumptions and judgements

we’re all guilty of both right? we’ve at some point in our lives judged someone without knowing them, whether it be passing someone in the street and thinking to ourselves ‘I wouldn’t wear that if I had their figure’, or even judging someone we know through mutual friends, or even personally. we ALL have done it.

I’m not going to sit here and pretend I haven’t, BUT I am going to sit here and explain why I think it’s about time we all stopped.

you know that saying that gets thrown about on a daily basis about living a day in someone else's shoes, and how we shouldn't jump to assumptions and conclusions about someone unless we have? why do we indulge in this saying when it comes to being personally attacked, yet we don’t care so much as to indulge when we jump at the chance to personally attack someone else?

that guy you just called fat? he may be really struggling with his weight, he may be more than aware of what people say about him, and that may push him to on some days not want to even eat. he may spend every waking moment counting calories and trying to burn them on a treadmill.; on the OTHER hand, he may JUST be happy! he may carry a few extra pounds and not look like the body double of a calvin klein model, but he may not want to! 

this goes for women of course as MUCH as it does men; I chose to focus that particular example on a man because I feel we sometimes forget that the industry is just has hard on males as it is females when throwing all the ways in which we should look in order to ‘fit into society’.

that woman you just called a ‘stick’? she cannot help her genes. she was born with a slender figure, she eats just as much as any other average woman and cannot understand why people can’t just leave her body be.

bottom line-

we need to stop judging people on body image. this is something that you will read about daily, so I won’t blab on too much, but equally it would be wrong to ignore it. I am judged for example ALL the time about my lifestyle, usually by those who think they know me but actually ONLY know me through what I choose to post on social media. they assume I diet because I like lettuce and apples. they assume I should be ‘thinner than I am’ because of how much working out I like to do...

- eating a healthy choice of food does not mean anyone is on a diet.

- working out doesn’t mean curves will be lost. 

calling someone fat or even skinny could really damage their mentality. fat and skinny are, I think, such a horrible vulgar word. I believe there are many different body shapes on this planet; some slender, some curvy, some curvier. when did we forget that physical appearances don't make a person who they are?

on that note the next thing I’m going to type is possibly most important to me.

when did we forget that judging people we do not know (or even DO know) negatively could equally have a devastating effect on someone's mentality. 

I was targeted by trolls a few months ago, and I still have the photos of comments that were made. don’t worry, I don’t look at them EVER because I know none of what was said is true and I am lucky to have such a big support base around me...however...imagine if those trolls targeted someone who did not. 

I have never understood why ANYONE would want to go onto someone’s personal page and comment something said intentionally to cause pain.

now, we often ask ‘if you wouldn’t say these things to your face, why type them on a screen?’ but what we forget is these things majority of the time ARE said aloud. maybe not to the person’s face no, but there we have the birth of rumours. talking to friends and saying hurtful things that will eventually more than likely get back to the person.

our biggest weapon on this earth are words. so, how do I wrap this up, and what is the point of today’s rambling?

I guess what I’m trying to say, is that we really should be more aware of what we say and do. actions may speak louder than words, BUT words sometimes overpower. don’t be so fast to judge those around you. don’t assume anyone has had an easy life in the same sense as not assuming anyone has had a hard one. 

here are 5 pointers to end on:

1. cut the words fat and skinny out of your vocabulary, honestly, don’t even use the words on yourself.

people may be able to say cruel things to you, but you can also say them to yourself. love yourself and loving others without assumption will come a lot easier, as you will stop judging and comparing your life to other peoples.

2. forget those who do not know you yet have built their own issue with you.

if people build an issue with you and don’t know you, that’s their issue. sadly, not everyone knows how to remain positive, and you can’t please everyone. don’t waste precious time and energy on trying to prove to them why you are a good person when so many around you already know how wonderful you are.

3. forget the relationships or dates that didn’t end well and just remember the strength you gained; it doesn’t mean all men or women will be the same. 

4. learn to see the good in people rather than heading directly for the bad. it’s so easy to find a persons faults, but it’s also easy to find their beauty.

and 5 is a rather famous quote from a genius author:

‘words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic; capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it’- Dumbledore - JK Rowling

thanks for reading my rambles! 

X

[jessica--may--blog]

life is all about finding balance. let’s be real about this; you could give up chocolate, alcohol, treats of any kind and give yourself either an amount of time to ban it from your life, or just try to do so permanently. some people will succeed in doing so, the majority will find a day in which they binge all the things they tried to ban. I personally have tried it both ways, and neither made me a happy bunny. I find it much easier to ban NOTHING from my lifestyle. I’m not saying binge incessantly pretty much whenever you fancy, but I am saying listen to your mind and body. it’s not a bad thing to go out with your friends or family and have a cocktail at the dinner table. it’s not a bad thing to have a girly night in, in which you grab the ben and jerry’s to pair with a chick flick. don’t torture yourself for the sake of trying to lose inches or be a healthier you; you’ll find you end up maybe looking better but feeling worse. enjoy your life! sure you have to be careful how many treats you throw in, but a strict diet? no thank you. you’ll also never see me running hours on end or doing 200 sit ups to ‘make up for treating myself’. I will never deviate from my programme if I have a naughty treat or two, because as a girl who work out 5-6 times a week I know I workout enough. 💁🏻 I’ve just had three glorious days break from my programme, I consumed a few gin & tonics, & some choccy here & there, and it was all DELICIOUS 😋 it’s all about balance, and learning not to punish yourself for enjoying yourself once in a while. ❤️

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something I’ve learned about myself so far this year is how strong I am, and how to stand up for myself. I’ve spent years, and I do not exaggerate, I mean YEARS of my life being patronised, manipulated and controlled by men. it’s not an easy thing to admit to yourself let alone to anyone else. you worry people will call you weak and you know that even if they don’t call you it to your face, the ones who don’t truly know you will still find the time to call you it behind your back. I’ve dated probably about three guys in my life and had two proper relationships; all of which has taught me pretty much how NOT to let yourself be treated. this year enough is ENOUGH. • I am DONE being blamed for the appalling behaviour of someone who decides to stop talking to me just because they’ve decided they’ve found someone better. • I am DONE with thinking that the best way for me to attract any attention from a guy is solely based on looks. that may sound shallow, and yes, it probably is, but in this society sadly that has been what I’ve learned. we live in a quite shallow society. I have watched guys turn down my friends because they are too ‘ugly’. I have had vulgar comments made about how ‘fat my ass is’ and ‘how chunky I am’. if you want to date me, stop trying to look at my ass and actually talk to me. I’m not an object and I’m sick of guys thinking they can treat me like one. I understand there are many MANY decent guys still out there, but understand my personal experience with them has been 90% dreadful from the age of around 18. I do not post this for any sympathy, I post this as a wake up call to any fellow girls out there who think they may be dealing with the same sort of thing; guys only looking but not really SEEING who you are, and guys who are willing to call you ‘sexy’ and ‘fit’ but never willing to get to know the beautiful soul you have. because at the end of it all I want someone to fall in love with my soul, and I know that who I am is enough for any guy to love, rather than solely what I look like. ❤️

[jessica--may--blog]

the attitude I have grown recently. call it an attitude makeover if you will. you may have noticed (if you follow me on it) that my insta has had a makeover, things have been removed.

I’ve also decided to download tumblr, edit my page and use it as a platform for more frequent ramblings of mine :)

just because people make mistakes and lose themselves, does not mean they can’t make amends and find themselves again. you can admit you lost yourself, behaved stupidly, and want to amend that. it takes a lot of strength. I know what my worth is and I will not settle for less. I’m aiming high for my goals this year. as for those who continue to believe in rumours that were spread by girls acting like children; my true friends know those rumours are literally laughable. spiteful jealous behaviour isn’t a pretty trait to carry, and I’m thankful for the block button on those occasions. I don’t know how celebs deal with those who don’t even know them slating them...I see now what it can do mentally. I’m just sorry that a group of humans who don’t even know me personally took so much interest in making up stories about my life.

so:

some simple pointers-

• kindness needs to STOP being mistaken for flirting • I support people out of KINDESS, admiration and love. lord knows the world could do with more of it.

• my main focuses for 2018 are my family, friends, and my three loves; theatre fitness + travel

• spread positive vibes, if you are struggling by all means don’t hold it in, SPEAK to someone, speak to me. just don’t let it turn you all the more negative by holding it in.

• SHOCK HORROR for the thing I’m about to say: I ENJOY having my own life. I don’t MIND being single. I don’t see why a guy on my arm for a night or a month should complete me in any way shape or form. I never have, nor will I ever believe in one offs, it’ll take a LOT for a guy to be able to come into my life; because amazingly I’m HAPPY being able to make plans and do things with my family and friends and not have to worry about a guy. I learned from younger years not to waste time worrying about a relationship. if it happens it happens, I’m not wasting time expecting anything • learn from mistakes • love your life! • be proud of who you are and never let ANYONE tell you any different ❤️

[jessica--may--blog]

#MeToo. trigger warning.

so the last time I used this website was to write a review about a couple of shows, and as of late I’m feeling trapped in where I can write about general things and feelings; so I’m re activating this blog to do so.

this is the hardest thing I've written yet, but the more people who write about it, the more awareness is being raised.

there have been a lot of brave and inspirational women coming forward with the hashtag ‘me too’ on social media; it’s an admirable thing posting these two words, because it means you are a survivor. it means you have had to at some point in your life endure the disgusting repulsive and presumptive behaviour of a man who believes he can do, touch, and say what he wants, and it means women are now coming together (and men) to make the simple and plain point that no means no.

so this is an extremely sensitive subject, and it’s difficult to word this blog...I’m struggling as I type.

because it’s hard isn’t it? to read these trigger warning stories. whether they be posted by a stranger, a neighbour, a colleague, a friend or even family member. it’ s hard; and the closer to home it gets, the more people who come forward who you personally know, admitting to having experienced something so horrible, the more you realise this is a problem that has became the norm; and that is equally as horrible.

there are guys walking the streets who think that what they do or have done is completely excusable, and why?  

going on a date does not mean you instantly have touching and grabbing rights. the woman may have accepted your offer to go on said date, she may have flirted in the lead up to the date, she may have even entertained the complimentary things you’ve sent her way and sent compliments back yours; but does this immediately mean that once you physically meet up with her that you are entitled to grab her breasts and remark on the size? does this mean it’s ok to grab her arse without asking because you’ve been ‘waiting to be able to do so’? does this mean you can shove you tongue down her throat because you feel it’s the right moment to? simple and plain answer: no.

okay, let’s reverse the situation; ask yourself this, if a girl grabbed your crotch on a date with no warning because she felt like it, how would you feel? if she grabbed your arse and remarked on the size, and said something about how it’s ‘bigger than the other arses she’s grabbed’ or ‘it’s not as toned as she’d hoped but she could work with it’ or she ran off to her friends the next day and told them your arse was so big that one cheek alone needed to be grabbed with two hands; how would you feel? because I don’t see why anyone thinks this kind of comment is ok. not only is it crude and quite frankly going to make someone feel pretty uncomfortable; you are remarking on their body. this can trigger all sorts of things; eating disorders, super silly excessive dieting, maybe even cause them to eat more depending on the comment. when I was in secondary school I really liked a guy, and he asked to meet me at the park with some mates. he was one of the ‘cool kids’ if you like, so for someone who wasn’t in such a big social circle you can imagine my shock and excitement. I got there only to be met with a pathetic boy who figured he could grab and touch me how and wherever he pleased, and then run off giggling telling his mates my arse was huge and I was ‘fatter than the others’. I bet he’s forgotten about it now, because to him that kind of comment was something he probably figured was ok. I never forgot. I still remember it to this day. luckily I am strong enough to deal with comments such as these, but I know some are not. think before you speak. think before you grab. crude and nasty comments are not ok just because you aren’t grabbing someone physically.

I’m not saying this hasn't happened to guys before by the way. I’m fully aware abuse and assault works both ways and happens to both sexes, but I’m also posting this because the entirety of friends on my feed coming forward are women, and I couldn’t bite my typing tongue any more.

being in a relationship or having dated someone without an official label for a long length of time does not entitle you to sex whenever you want it. if your girlfriend or long term partner or whatever ‘label’ you give it, does not want to engage in sexual contact, why does that mean you can do it anyway? 

rape used to be a word I’d associate with a stranger. when I was young and watching the news I guess I’d only ever remember it being women followed home and raped by men they’d never met before...I grew up to realise that word can be associated with anyone.

if she lays there silent, frozen, and makes no sound, get off of her. if tears begin to run down her cheeks, she is crying. she is crying because she can’t believe someone she let into her life and trusted could do such a thing. do not ignore it. she may forgive you. thinking she can’t be without you when she deserves so much better. she may not even realise until days, weeks, months, even years later that what you did was unforgivable, sickening, and completely disgraceful. she will watch you leave to meet mates, leaving her on her bed feeling worthless, and what you won't realise is that in those minutes, you have damaged her psychologically for the rest of her life. you have made her think she does not deserve a happy and long relationship. and the worst part? you don't even care. she was just another experience to you. another learning curve in life. you probably still don't think what you did was horrifying, but she always will. she will never be able to get it out of her head. 

this is a hard read. I know. believe me when I say it was a hard write, but it was eating away at my mind, and I fear if I hadn’t typed however many words on a screen, it would've continued to eat away at it.

too many people I know, too many beautiful strong brave and remarkable women have used this hashtag. too many beautiful strong brave and remarkable women I don’t know have used it.

please, read their stories. make sure what you’re doing isn’t sexual assault. stop adding victims to the list. if you have to think about your actions twice, that alone tells you you shouldn't be doing it.

stop giving more and more women a reason to use the hashtag ‘me too’

[jessica--may--blog]

Flash Bang Wallop what a scorcher!! 💙🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This musical is completely outstanding. It’s a classic piece of theatre complete with the jazz hands and tailored suits. A perfect show for families of all ages to enjoy, it’s a gentle and beautifully portrayed love story. (with a triangle and a hiccup or two along the way of course….and a banjo…I’m not spoiling the story, you’ll have to go and see it for yourself 😉) The cast are one of the strongest ensembles I have seen in a LONG time. The choreography along with the catchy score is so perfectly performed, and has the audience members involved from start to finish with its toe tapping tunes. Every single move and facial expression is so precise, and my hat is off to the wonderful choreographer Andrew Wright, as I sat on total awe when watching. Each member has something that they bring to this piece to make it shine, it’s in fact very hard to choose just one person at a time to focus on! As for Mr Charlie Stemp, it is BEYOND true what they are saying in the press; he really is ‘a star in the making’, and he brings and entirely new definition to the concept of a triple threat. He brings Arthur Kipps to life with ease, I could’ve genuinely watched him dance the musical AND beyond! The energy is pouring off of the stage and into the audience throughout from all; and teamed with a very cleverly and stunningly presented set, there’s honestly not a single fault to be found! This is something the West End has been waiting for, even if it didn’t know it, this showstopper really isn’t to be missed! Take my word, and word of mouth EVERYWHERE from those who have already seen it; book a ticket NOW!