Lydia West’s “Losing It” Tour: Pioneering a New Model for UK Theatre Accessibility

Lydia West, the British actress best known for her roles in television dramas like “Years and Years” and “It’s a Sin,” is set to embark on a UK tour of her one-woman show “Losing It.” What sets this tour apart from others is the pioneering new model that West and her team have adopted, which aims to make the production more accessible to audiences.

The tour, which is set to run from May to August 2023, will see West performing in venues across the country, from traditional theatres to community centers and schools. What’s unique about this model is that it allows audiences to experience the show in a more intimate and personal setting, while also bringing theatre to areas that might not typically have access to it.

In an interview with The Guardian, West explained that the idea for the tour came from her desire to connect with audiences more directly. “I wanted to do something that felt more authentic and more personal,” she said. “I wanted to be able to look into people’s eyes and connect with them on a deeper level.”

To achieve this, West and her team have taken a grassroots approach to the tour, working with local communities and venues to bring the show to audiences across the country. They’ve also made a conscious effort to keep ticket prices low, with some performances costing as little as £5.

The response to the tour has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people praising West for her innovative approach to theatre. One theatre director described it as “an exciting new model that has the potential to transform the way we think about touring theatre in the UK.”

For West, the tour represents a new chapter in her career, one that allows her to explore her craft in a more intimate and personal way. “I feel like I’m on a journey,” she said. “And this tour is just the beginning.” With its pioneering new model and commitment to accessibility, it’s clear that “Losing It” is a show that’s not to be missed.

Re-reported from the story originally published in BBC