I'm a reviewer and I hated your show!

Well done! Good on you. You hated the show so you think it's up to you to put everyone else off with a vindictive, rude and totally unconstructive review.

Luckily Involution has been watched by extremely professional reviewers who have given mostly an objective view on the art that they have watched. However, we've all read those reviews that absolutely slate a show - that care little about who they insult or what they are panning. There is no constructive criticism shown and no attempt to find anything good to say. But so many reviews up at Edinburgh have been, in my opinion, totally unprofessional. It is the reviewers job, no matter what they felt about the show or how it made them feel, to give an objective viewpoint. Looking closely at the text, the set, the direction, the performances etc... and giving a qualified and experienced analysis.

If the show got 1* then say why - what has the production set out to do and why did they fail in doing that? Was there anything at all that worked...in which case why not talk about that and try and help the company.

Yes, a reviewer only gives the view of one person but it is a view that has an affect on an extremely large amount of potential audience. Therefore, a certain level of responsibility must be shown.

Paul Levy of Fringe Review has got it right in my opinion. He only publishes shows of a 3* or higher level. Firstly, all companies are informed of the day when the reviewer is coming in and are contacted if their show does not reach the level of 3*s. If they ask why then the reviewer gives a detailed explanation. Secondly, if the company strongly objects to the review then it is sometimes suggested that a second reviewer might be sent in at a later date - this would be an extreme situation though.

Okay, there are rubbish productions - I mean really really awful ones that should never even have made it past the green room. However, it is more important to give the poor company the reasons why it is awful, rather than just telling them that it is shit! Similarly, the members of the paying public deserve to be given an educated and intelligent summary of what they might well go and see.

Yep. I'm really new to this reviewing game but seeing the reaction to reviews and reviewing from both sides, I just thought I'd chuck down a few thoughts.

If you fancy having a go at reviewing a show, why not check out Involution at The Pleasance 10 Dome, Midday.