When It's NOT Worth the Gin

This year, I have been very fortunate that almost all of the shows I’ve seen have been great or at least worth the ticket price.

But what do you do when that’s not the case?

There have been a few shows that I haven’t liked, but I feel guilty saying that.

Which is a little insane because not all shows are for all people.

Shows that I love can be shows others hate. The inverse can also be true.

So, do I put my opinion out there? Is that doing a show a disservice? Or is it better to share a bad experience so others don’t waste their money?

So, I’ve made it a point to not review any shows that I found “mid”.

If a show is good, or even great, then I will shout it from the rooftops. If a show is bad - and I mean BAD - then I will write about it. But if a show is just okay or not my cup of tea, then I will keep it to myself. Let others go in without the weight of useless opinions.

I am also going to try to make my assessment of what is bad as objective as possible. Things that aren’t just a matter of opinion, like whether a show is funny or if an actor is good. Some theatre is meant to make the audience uncomfortable. That type of theatre is an important part of the arts that helps us move forward. Other theatre is meant for pure enjoyment.

I want to continue to have a Fringe where there is space for all different types of theatre, and that’s not going to happen if anyone who takes a risk in lambasted.