Theatre Critics on the other side of the fence
Stage fright (L-R) Uther Dean, Jackson Coe, Michael Wray, Lynn Freeman, Elspeth Sandys, John Smythe and Laurie Atkinson.
Well here’s your chance, if you’re game, to write a review for the Theatreview website.
Capital Times’ theatre reviewer Lynn Freeman and film reviewer Dan Slevin, and plenty of other Wellington stage critics, are acting in Tom Stoppard’s The Real Inspector Hound at Downstage Theatre.
You’ll be able to criticise them for all you’re worth.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking that it’s easy, says John Smyth. Writing reviews is actually quite hard.
“I’ve had a number of experiences where I’ve thought: this is really going to hurt someone, but I have to say it because it’s my true responsibility and it would be patronizing not to.”
But, of course, there’s a reason why they do it, aside from seeing their names in print.
“It’s an honour. It’s a privilege, it’s a responsibility, and can be narcissistic.”
The Real Inspector Hound is planned for recital right in the middle of theatre’s biggest awards.
“There’s always a bit of...feeling around town after the Chapman Tripp nominations come out and during the build up to the Chapman Tripp awards. Doing this right in the middle is an opportunity for people to vent, an opportunity for catharsis - on all sides. And that’s what everyone wants in the theatre, is catharsis.”
The Real Inspector Hound, Downstage Theatre, November 29, 7.30pm.
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