Lights, Camera Critique: Tips for Writing a Thoughtful Theatre Review
Whether you’ve been tasked to write a theatre review for work or just want to share some well-composed thoughts about the latest production on a forum, there are several things to keep in mind. Writing a good, well-rounded and fair critique of a show takes skill, so here are several tips to help guide you through the process.
1. Be Present and Take Notes
From hit London musicals to avant-garde plays, there are many wonderful productions to enjoy. But when your mission is to review what you’re seeing, it’s important to be present during the whole show. Make sure you pay attention to every aspect of the show including the acting, direction, set design, music, lighting and more, perhaps jotting down notes as you go. Don’t let the note taking distract you though - keep your scribblings concise and let yourself enjoy the true magic of what’s happening in front of you.
2. Provide a Spoiler-Free Synopsis
When it’s time to write your review, use your notes, memory, promotional materials and other literature to help you write a synopsis - but don’t give away any spoilers! The synopsis should provide a short summary of the plot without going into detail, and perhaps one or two notes about the genre and style, and whether it is original or based on a novel or short story. After all, those who have invested in London play tickets for the show won’t want to see every detail revealed before they’ve attended the production for themselves.
3. Focus on Key Elements
Your review should be well-structured, focussing on specific elements one by one. You can start with an overview of the actors and how well they performed each role. Highlight specific performances that stood out to you and why. You could then talk about the direction and how well the production was brought to life. Move on to discuss the visual elements of production from the costumes to the set before analysing the music score and choreography, if applicable.
4. Be Constructive
It’s normal for a review to be constructive, focussing on both the strengths and weaknesses of a production. When mentioning things that didn’t quite work so well, you could perhaps suggest ways in which the production might be improved. If the production has a strong historical or cultural context, was this portrayed well? Did key messages get across to the audience? Was the production modernised in any way and if so did it work? You can give your opinion so long as it’s respectful and your points are explained.
5. Keep the Audience in Mind
When writing your review, think about the show’s target audience. Is it aimed at families, fans of a particular genre, or those who are familiar with Shakespeare? Is it accessible for those who are new to the genre or style? Make sure your review is insightful, using only language and theatre jargon that’s suitable for those reading.
If you’re looking for a production to review, why not discover the selection of London show tickets available at KX Tickets? From comedies and musicals to thought-provoking plays, our line-up has something to suit all tastes. Book with us today.
