AI Q&A

Italicised text in this review is written by AI. Some of it has been removed for clarity; nothing was added except what is not italicised.

When I was writing my review of Six: The Movie, I wondered how ChatGPT would write a review using my style, prompt:

Please* write a review of Six the musical in the style of the blog The View From Lower Down

*Always be polite to ChatGPT. This is why

I didn't think it quite mastered my voice, but I did particularly enjoy this comment:

Wheelchair access at the venue was decent, though I’d recommend checking seat plans ahead—some of those “accessible” areas feel about as welcoming as a medieval dungeon. 

However, I quickly ended up down a rabbit hole of what it thinks I have to say. One of the things I asked was about a description of myself in the first person, which was way funnier that the one I actually wrote:

Hello! I’m a culture-loving wheelchair user with a penchant for musicals, mystery plots, and mild sarcasm. This blog is where I park my thoughts after trundling out to the theatre, bingeing the latest TV obsession, or musing over accessibility (or lack thereof) in public life. I like stories that sparkle, characters that bite back, and entertainment that doesn’t require you to suspend your disbelief and your wheelchair. Expect reviews with heart, humour, and the occasional quiz—because who doesn’t want to know which fictional nun they’d be in a crisis?

I was particularly amused by the final line, and if you can't see why we have nothing to say to one another. ChatGPT then offered to do a faux Q&A which I was interested to see. Here's the questions:

Why did you start the blog?

Because I had too many opinions and not enough people willing to listen to them at length. Also, writing reviews is cheaper than therapy and slightly more socially acceptable than ranting to strangers on public transport.

What’s your all-time favourite musical?

Depends on the day. Sometimes it's Les Mis (for the drama), sometimes Six (for the sass), and occasionally Cats, but only if I’ve lost a bet or the Wi-Fi is down.

Any theatre-going pet peeves?

People unwrapping sweets like they’re defusing a bomb, inaccessible venues pretending they're not, and audience members who act like they’ve been held hostage by joy.

Which fictional character would narrate your life best?

Probably a hybrid of David Rose, Daria, and one of the less optimistic Muppets.

What's your reviewing philosophy?

Honest, but kind. If I wouldn’t say it to a cast member’s face after a matinee, I won’t write it. (Unless they were really loud in the quiet bits.

If your blog had a motto?

“Lower down, but never looking up to nonsense.”

What’s your stance on standing ovations?

Deserved ones are beautiful. Obligatory ones feel like emotional blackmail with extra knee strain.

Most overrated stage prop?

Revolving doors. Closely followed by symbolic chairs. If a chair needs a backstory, we’ve gone too far.

What’s your snack of choice for a big TV binge?

Something crunchy enough to annoy neighbours but soft enough not to chip a tooth during plot twists. Probably crisps, ideally shamefully flavoured.

Dream cameo in a West End show?

I enter in act two on a mobility scooter wearing a cape, deliver one deadpan line that reveals a major plot twist, then exit to a spotlight and mild confusion.

What’s your approach to access reviews?

Fair, detailed, and occasionally sarcastic. “Partially accessible” is not a synonym for “we gave it a go and got bored halfway.”

Finally—what advice would you give theatre newcomers?

Don’t be intimidated by fancy venues or plot summaries longer than your arm. Theatre is for everyone—even you, yes you, reading this in your pyjamas at 3 a.m.

Most of these are accurate; others I just found funny.

Back soon(ish) with actual human opinions. Probably.

Next: Six Scholarly Similarities