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Staging

A good review always pays close attention to the production design because the first thing you usually see when viewing a production is the set and staging.

You should mention:

• The stage shape and the effect it had on relationships between actors and audience, eg the intimacy created by staging in the round, where the audience surrounds the players
• Style, eg naturalistic or minimalistic
• What was onstage and the effect it created
• Symbolism, eg tatty furniture representing tired relationships
• Any key features or inventive ideas such as a table opening up to become a car

The set establishes the world of the play and the style of the piece, so recognising what it says to the audience is important. Make notes of your first impressions. What expectations were created by the set design? If a set is minimalist then you know the production will have to rely on other elements to create an effective atmosphere. Sets might also be basic for other reasons such as cost or because the play has many scene changes which would be difficult to achieve with an elaborate fixed set.

Your job as a reviewer is to note any interesting facets of the set that have obviously been included in the production by the director and designer for a reason. In the Stage magazine’s review of the Old Vic’s 2012 production of Hedda Gabler for instance, the reviewer, Mark Shenton notes, the billowing curtains set the scene and are a recurring scenic motif.

Costume

You should also describe the costume choices particularly if they’re striking or unusual in any way. Focus on the following elements:

• Was the costume modern or historical?
• How did costume show character?
• Were there any significant costume changes?
• Was costume used symbolically? Think about the colours and garments chosen
• What did it add to the performance?

Look at Describing costume for more information.