Forum Topic

Gushy and unconvincing Tabard reviews

My experience of the Tabard has been hit and miss over the years. My understanding is that the theatre doesn’t commission and curate, but rather takes in bids from theatre producers, who mainly rent the theatre. . So the results are up and down. For this reason, plays are almost never reviewed in the mainstream media unlike the Lyric Hammersmith or the Orange Tree. Susan Stanley Carroll is not a professional theatre critic, she is a retired English teacher in her early eighties. Her reviews read like more like advertorial than professional reviews   I would be interested to hear from people who have seen the plays which she extols as rising to new heights and “faultless”. I don’t recall a  singlemediocre review from her. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-8610035/This-81-looks-like.htmlI think both the Tabard and the Chiswickw4 readers would be much better served by balanced reviews which provide a serious and engaged critique of the plays being produced and performed. Rather than uncritical lavish praise. I for one would place more confidence in them. There is plenty of  writing talent in Chiswick who could produce strong independent reviews.

Susan Engel ● 1201d8 Comments

Seems everyone's a critic,even of critics.

Keith Iddon ● 1201d

If you don’t like Susan’s reviews, don’t read them.  I know Susan and she is very capable and astute about drama and poetry and has taught both.  In fact, she still teaches.  Her age is irrelevant.Acton forum has a regular thread of reviews.  Why don’t you start one here?

Lucy Chambers ● 1199d

Ageist

Paul Campbell ● 1199d

I totally agree with Lucy Chambers! Keep doing your wonderful reviews Susan Stanley Carroll, I appreciate them and so do many, many other I know.

Louise Randall ● 1199d

I've always found Susan's reviews to be reliably honest. She has, in fact, written less-than-stellar reviews - published on this website - for local productions. Susan tells it like it is and that makes for a fantastic critic.

Jenn Irvine ● 1199d

Ah quoting the Daily Mail.... that explains it all!

Matthew Swain ● 1199d

Dear Susan,Thank you for leaving your comments in the Forum. It has given me a chance to consider how I go about reviewing plays and given me food for thought!But I would like to reply to a few of the things you have said:You are right, I am not a professional critic - but then again, who is? I am a trained actor, having gained a distinction at Guildhall School of Music & Drama. I have written published books on acting and the theatre, have worked as a professional acting teacher, been an adjudicator at Poetry and Drama Festivals as well as directing  productions in schools for over 50 years. I also worked as an arts’ journalist in Hong Kong.You highlight the fact that I am over 80, but I assume you wouldn't be suggesting, for a second, that my age has any bearing on my ability to undertake reviews? Nor that retirement from one career should mean the elderly should refrain from taking up new challenges? The essence of your criticism is that my reviews are biased in that they overwhelmingly praise the productions at The Tabard. Well, I have been very impressed by many of the productions. But I have also been underwhelmed in several instances too and have tried to ensure the reviews are impartial and give a fair indication of the respective play's merits and weaknesses; always bearing in mind that ‘one man’s meat is another man’s poison’.I note from your comment that you have not seen any of the plays that I have given favourable reviews – in case you do have the time to step away from your laptop and attend a production I would be fascinated to read your opinions on the suitability of my reviews!Of course, your criticism is completely just, as it is your view, but I can also say that what i write is honestly my view.Best,Susan S-C

Susan Stanley-Carroll ● 1199d

:-) :-)excellent riposte to a rather ungenerous original post - bravo Susan S-C

Ceinwen Mailvagnam ● 1199d