In and out of work, I'm always looking for new ways to sharpen my copywriting skills. So, I set myself a new challenge. Armed with nothing but an eye for detail and a metaphorical highlighter, I took the brochure for The Marlowe Summer 2023 Season from a 56-page epic to a snappy 700-word press release.
To put it in perspective for those who haven't heard of it, the Marlowe is a 96-year-old venue and arts charity in Canterbury that showcases eclectic theatre, art, and culture. An all-around iconic hub for inspiring artistry.
Imagine pages and pages of mime, drama, opera, community projects and general theatre gold. Every project in the brochure was crying out for a spot in the limelight. So I played the ruthless editor, cut through the noise, and collaged the best gems into a more digestible narrative that will have readers starting What's App groups for theatre nights at the Marlowe.
I came away from this exercise a slightly better editor. And it was worth it. I became better at sorting through hours of text and distilling it into an accessible form, while doing justice to each show and the theatre. The final product may well capture the essence of original programme, and it's equally fit for journalists and Marlowe fans.