Autobiography Quote by Tracey Thorn
““Too embarrassed even to try as long as everyone was looking at me, I made what was probably a fairly unique request. ‘Um, I’ll have a go. But I can’t do it if you’re all looking at me. Can I go inside the wardrobe and sing from there?’ The others looked at me strangely, possibly beginning to worry about the apparent absence of any stage personality in this girl they had just recruited, but to their credit they agreed, without killing themselves laughing, and so in I went. From inside my hidey-hole I sang David Bowie’s ‘Rebel Rebel’. I emerged to a very positive response, the others all declaring that I sounded like Siouxsie Sioux – I was trying very hard to – and while I was quite pleased with myself, I wasn’t sure that I would be able to do it in front of an audience. We could hardly take the wardrobe around with us.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Uncut Magazine, 1999
She overcame stage fright by creating a private space, allowing her to perform confidently despite audience presence.
In simple terms: Creating a private space helped her sing despite fear.
Key Takeaway
Use a safe space to face anxiety.
Themes
confidence
creativity
performance
anxiety
selfexpression
Mood
nervous
relieved
hopeful
Type
personal anecdote
motivational
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- music rehearsals
- class presentations
- theater auditions
Key Concepts
psychology
stagecraft
selfefficacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you create a safe space in high‑pressure situations?
- What other strategies help you manage performance anxiety?
A Different Perspective
The method may not work for all audiences or venues.
