Am-dram society starts reviewing reviews after receiving two stars
THE Fabricated Players have launched a new critical service reviewing the quality of reviews written about their productions after deciding some critics simply aren’t very good at criticism.
The scheme began after local reviewer Peter Collins awarded the society’s latest production three stars and described it as “an enjoyable evening let down by uneven pacing and several questionable performances”.
Within 24 hours, the Fabricated Players had published its own review of Peter’s review.
It gave him two stars.
Publicity officer Melissa said: “People assume reviewers can just turn up, form opinions and publish them without anybody assessing the standard of those opinions.
“We felt it was time somebody held them accountable.”
The society’s 1,400-word critique praises Peter’s opening paragraph but criticises his “lack of warmth”, “inconsistent appreciation” and failure to understand several things the director had intended.
Melissa said: “There were moments where Peter appeared to be watching the production we actually put on rather than the production we were trying to put on.
“That’s quite a fundamental reviewing error.”
Particular criticism was directed at Peter’s claim that Act One was too long.
The Fabricated Players review states:
“Collins demonstrates limited understanding of deliberate theatrical pacing, apparently mistaking 94 minutes for 94 minutes.”
His observation that several actors struggled with their lines was also dismissed as “overly focused on things that happened”.
Chairman Malcolm said: “Anyone can notice somebody forgetting a line.
“A skilled reviewer asks why they forgot it and whether perhaps the forgetting itself represented something.”
Peter was awarded strong marks for spelling and paragraph structure but lost points for mentioning that the set wobbled.
The society concluded that his review “showed promise but would benefit from a more generous interpretation of visible events.”
He received:
★★☆☆☆
“Some enjoyable moments, but ultimately disappointing.”
The scheme has now expanded to cover every review of Fabricated Players productions.
Five-star reviews automatically receive five stars.
Four-star reviews are generally considered “thoughtful and perceptive”.
Three-star reviews are subjected to detailed analysis.
Anything below three stars is classified as “not really a proper review”.
Melissa said: “We’re completely impartial.
“If somebody writes something positive about us, that usually demonstrates excellent critical judgement.”
The society is also considering introducing reviewer league tables, with critics ranked according to accuracy, writing quality and average number of stars awarded to the Fabricated Players.
Peter is currently bottom.
He responded to his two-star rating by publishing a review of the society’s review of his review.
He gave it one star.
The Fabricated Players are now reviewing that.
