Draft Policy: Reviewing standards

Theatreview currently does not have the funding capacity to pay reviewers for the time and effort they put into reviewing shows. This dependence on volunteer labour means that quality may differ across reviews. However, Theatreview will endeavour to present reviews of a high calibre.

Shows being reviewed can expect that reviews on the site will:

• Be grammatically well-written,
• Be factually correct, including correctly crediting work done on the show as provided by the show,
• Accurately describe the event and/or the reviewer’s reactions to it (with sensitivity to “spoilers”),
• Accurately describe any of the following items where applicable: plot, production aims, key performance and design choices, any noticeable audience reactions,
• Provide context for the performance/event, either in terms of current performance settings or through an understanding of performance history where applicable,
• Explicitly note a reviewer’s personal tastes or preferences where applicable,
• Offer selective, considered feedback to the artists based on the reviewer’s experience, and
• Be enjoyable to read.

More information can be found in the International Association of Theatre Critics’ document “A critic’s code of practice” and the “Do’s and Don’ts Lists for Reviewers” on the Theatreview forums.

The Managing Editor reserves the right to edit any review for brevity, clarity, and factual correctness.