Improve your understanding of reviewing drama
Listen to this short clip, answer the questions then check your responses against the sample answers.
In this clip novelist and theatre critic, Jane Rogers reviews West Yorkshire Playhouseâs production of The Go-Between.
Question
What key information is provided about the production in Mark Lawsonâs introduction?
The introduction tells us that the production is based on a novel by L P Hartley, it names the playâs writers, gives details about the theatre company, and provides a short synopsis of the story.
Question
How does Jane Rogers justify her view that the adaptation worked well?
She believes the adaptation worked well due to the performances of the ensemble of actors. She describes the cast of 11 as a haunting conscience
for the character of Leo enabling him to look into his past.
Question
What interesting details are provided by the reviewer about the physical performances of the ensemble?
Jane Rogers describes the actors using their bodies to portray shop mannequins, branches of a belladonna plant and gates and styles that the character of Leo has to negotiate his way through. The performance is described as tightly choreographed and balletic.
Question
How does Jane Rogers justify her reasons for her one negative comment about the play?
Jane Rogers gives a specific example of when the script âtoldâ rather than âshowedâ and describes a scene with a birthday cake that wasnât effective. She felt that Leoâs commentary was superfluous in some instances as the action had already been shown by the ensemble.
Question
Did you think this review was a good one and if so why?
This review was a good one. It gave a balanced view of the strengths and weaknesses of the play and the reviewer provided enough examples from the production for both. She also had a good knowledge of the source material which inspired the play and provided an in-depth interpretation rather than skimming the surface.