Reviewing people you know

I'm an unusual person, in that I'm highly critical of everything I see onstage, whether I like it or not. I've mentioned before on this site, that for me, a good performance is one in which I'm not distracted - if I don't spend half the show staring at the lights, it's a good thing. I also have to say, that if I know that I'm going to write a review about a show it does change the way I watch it. It doesn't make me more critical, it just means that I tend not to relax when watching it. I also try and remember notes and things to write, which makes it hard to fully enjoy a performance. I have reviewed friends' shows before, and I don't think it made me less or more harsh. I believe that I can manage to separate my feelings out - of course, there's no such thing as unbiased, but I think I can be as unbiased as possible. Furthermore, my friends respect my opinion, and often knowing them, I can give them more constructive criticism - because I know their weaknesses, their traits, etc. (Eg. I have a running joke with a friend, whom is particularly bad at keeping a straight face. I can say one word to him, and he'll immediately understand what he did wrong) I don't think there is anything wrong with having an insight into the actor's mind; and in fact, if you know what the person was trying to achieve, it can help pinpoint a term or phrase which can be written in the review, and make it more constructive for that person to improve with. I think that I have enough experience now to speak honestly, and in theatrical terms, or acting terms, that can make my reviews be insightful to the cast and crew; and though it may come across as blunt or rude, there's usually a sentiment of hopefulness in my review. I can see both the things that need to be worked on, as well as the potential. If you go into a show keeping both those things in mind, then I don't think it matters if you know anyone involved. Here's a great tip in writing a review - it comes from my training to be an editor - it's ok to write a criticism, or something that should be changed/improved upon. Just back it up with a suggestion of how it could be better, or what the result would be if it was changed. That's ultimately what the cast and crew want to hear - how to make things better. And it doesn't matter whether you're saying it to friends or not. I personally believe that the greatest 'attacks' or biased reviews don't come from people who are associated with the cast or crew, but from those who don't use theatrical terms, or a language similar - it's the ambiguity that lies in the words that can often upset so many people. For instance, there's a difference between saying "So and so can't act", to "So and so wasn't believable in their character". It's a small but slight difference, the first can be seen as an 'attack', the second can be consider constructive (so and so may now decide to do more work on characterisation for instance). Many people on this site may disagree with that last para... But I have found that when reviewing, cast and crew have been more willing to accept or listen to the criticism when said with specification, definition, and the use of generally accepted theatrical terms. In other words... yes, I do believe friends/family can be unbiased. Or as unbiased as anyone else at any rate. EDIT: Additionally, I would also say that it is important to recognise that there's no such thing as a perfect show - and often friends/family will see this more clearly (or rather, forgivingly) than non-related reviewers. Sticky Apple Legs www.thepromptcopy.com/sal Puppets in Melbourne www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/