Theatre Australia

your portal for australian theatre

Reviews - Yes or No?

Thu, 9 Aug 2001, 06:39 pm
Gillian Binks28 posts in thread
I enjoy reading intelligent reviews BUT it seems to have gotten to a stage where those who dare to give an opinion that is less-than-glowing get torched. I used to write exactly what I thought but I now refrain from reviewing shows if it would contain more constructive criticism than compliments. Instead I simply compliment those who (or that which) I felt were stand-outs or keep my mouth shut. I'm sure that I am not the only one who does this as many of the reviews read like hyped-up press releases. I don't believe that all these shows being reviewed can be that flawless.

So my question for discussion is this: Do you want to be reviewed by your peers or do you think "If I wanted his/her opinion I'd have asked for it"?

I personally think that as long as the reviewer isn't just being cruel and spiteful (and preferably is not anonymous) that reviews are good for us. After all, if we don't agree with what someone says about us or our show we can always dismiss the review/reviewer (but then again we may just learn something)!





RE: Reviews - Yes or No?

Tue, 14 Aug 2001, 10:01 pm


Hi Gillian,

In answer to your discussion on the writing of reviews, my advice is to write truthfully, but with constructive criticism rather than untruthful compliments. We must remember that one person's view may differ from another's. For instance, i wrote a review for the Rockingham Theatre Production of Les Miserables not long ago in the review section on this website and I was honest, though possibly brutal at times. I read a brief review on the same production where the reviewer raved about the amount of young talent in the show, i disagreed, but there was no right or wrong here from either reviewer- just differing opinions.

If performers don't want constuctive criticism or even brutal honesty at times - perhaps they are in the wrong business. That is my opinion.


Write from the heart by all means!!


The Review Master.

Thread (28 posts)

← Back to Green Room Gossip