Do you read reviews of theatre shows and do they influence you?
Our society has changed a lot in recent years and it seems that if you’re planning to stop in a hotel, eat a meal at a restaurant or do just about anything else you have to look it up first and read the reviews. These can, of course, be open to manipulation, but I guess it does no harm to try to find out what the rooms or the food is like before you part with your hard-earned cash.
Theatre reviews have existed far longer than the websites that have these customer reviews. They’re a tradition in newspapers but nowadays online. I certainly think they have a value and I write them myself. Personally, I prefer reviews that tell me about the production, the style of show it is, the type of music on offer and maybe the length and mood of the event I’m thinking about seeing.
I try to be positive in my reviews because I know how much effort goes into rehearsals and all the other things that need to be done to bring a show to stage, especially in Amateur Dramatics when the cast and creatives have literally paid to be involved.
One of my favourite shows is Chess, written by Benny & Bjorn of Abba and lyrics by Tim Rice. I’ve seen many different versions. I’ve even performed as part of the show, so I’m well aware of what is needed to put it on stage. I read a review of a professional version of the show when it appeared on Broadway back in the 1980s.
The New York Times reviewer, Frank Rich, was not kind. “The evening has the theatrical consistency of quicksand, a suite of temper tantrums where the characters yell at one another to rock music.” On the other hand, William A Henry wrote, “A clear narrative drive, cinematic staging, three superb leading performances by actors willing to be complex and unlikeable and one of the best rock scores ever produced in the theatre. This is an angry, difficult, demanding and rewarding show, one that pushes the boundaries of the form.”
What did we learn about the show from those reviews? Frank Rich didn’t like it but William A Henry did! My conclusion is that everyone has different opinions. Last week I went to see 42nd Street at Manchester’s Opera House and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The four big stars were Samantha Womak, Michael Praed, Les Dennis and Faye Tozer but in my opinion, Nicole Lily Baisden, who played Peggy Sawyer the up and coming singer and dancer, was the real star of the show.
I’ve not seen any reviews of the show, but whatever others might have thought, I loved every minute, every tap, every song and every performance. The week before I saw The Drifters Girl, the story of the female manager of the legendary group The Drifters. I didn’t enjoy it as much, but the audience around me loved it. The singing, the performances and the songs were all brilliant, I just didn’t enjoy it as much as 42nd Street, but you might have loved it.
I also went to see Sweeney Todd by Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre last week and I loved it. The stand out performer, in my opinion, was Steph Niland as Mrs Lovett, who deserves an award. Paul Wilcox, reviewing the show for northwestend.com wrote, “The production lacked the power necessary to be totally convincing.” I feel that’s an unkind comment about any Amateur show.
I think the best thing you can do is google what the show is about and then go along and watch it for yourself. You’re the only critic that matters. Theatre is heartfelt and full of passion and talent and never disappoints me.
Join me for my Break-a-Leg radio show this week when my guests are legendary Musical Theatre song writer Marc Shaiman (Hairspray, Mary Poppins Returns, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory), Ben Nickless & Emma Williams who’re in Jack & the Beanstalk at the Opera House this Christmas & PR Paul, one of the original cast of the 1980s TV show Fame.
