Starlight Express - Troubadour

I guess they score a "nine" then (or an A** in slightly older money).  

What seems altogether more stranger, that this got rave/positive reviews from the big ones and to think that this got 6 negative reviews on its first night, seems to me very mind boggling, I just cannot work it out.

Do you mean six negative reviews on Theatreboard?  My own experience on here is that some people seem determined not to enjoy shows or tend to over-critique them, often doing so very early on in previews when the paint is still drying on the set.  I tend to go early myself as I like to see things "warts and all", often going back a couple of weeks later to see how things have bedded down.   In the case of Starlight Express, I was happy from the outset - I knew things could tighten up and improve, but I thought for previews they were in good nick.  I am pleased to see the positive reviews, many of which aren't particularly reflective or harking back to the previous productions too much.  I'd say this is the biggest issue for Theatreboard (or any other forum with die-hard theatre afficionados!) - our expectations are higher perhaps and our memories are strong.  We remember previous productions and have a sub-conscious bar already set for our expectations, whereas - for many - these shows are one-off days out that they will hopefully just enjoy and create a memory or two with their loved ones or friends.  

Perhaps Theatreboard should create a critics panel ("Strictly" style) where signed up members can review shows and then pool their comments/thoughts into a general "Theatreboard Review", which can then be the 'official line' for shows to use on their blurb (should they wish to do so).

I done exactly the same, I have seen Starlight twice now, on the first night and latter in the run.

But what i'm saying and these reviews are testament, it got very good reviews in the broadsheets even. That the person/s who gave Starlight six 1 star reviews didn't go to the show and did so to be grievous and pernicious. The same happed for Cinderella and the Olivier Award winning and Broadway bound Sunset Boulevard.

I agree 100%.  I used to try and work out such mindsets but realised that some people are so fixated on the negatives that they've forgotten how to appreciate the beauty that imperfection brings.  There are some odd characters online who automatically berate any/every ALW production, anywhere around the world, simply because of the cuts to the orchestra way back.  Now, I'm not unsympathetic, but the argument feels lost when bias forces people to choose to die on the same cross each time.

Hahaha - I'd do anything just to see Ian McIntosh actually get on the cross!  1 out of 8 aint's bad.  (Or is that a variation on another show too?)

Yes, I was thinking more of a pool of people where perhaps Theatreboard can secure a couple of comps to review (or even TB members just agree to do offline reviews which are then moderated/edited as the "Theatreboard" line on things - not dissimilar to Theatremonkey - without destroying the ability to contribute individually as we all currently do).

Of course, we could just carry on as we are - I didn't realise TB isn't popular within the industry itself due to being plain speaking.

I'm still living in hope that "Theatreboard - the musical" will get its day in the spotlight with a few angsty solos, the odd subsurface love ballad, and some rogue renegades with a nice cheerleader ensemble piece.

Well, I’ve no hard evidence for it other than the fact that we are literally never mentioned. We’ve given a lot of rave reviews and some beltingly useable quotes but none of it has ever appeared in publicity for a show as far as Im aware. 

Anyway, to reiterate what I said about one star reviews from people who haven’t seen the show. Ignore them. 

For the polls, maybe a score should be given after a poster has written up a short review of the show. it doesn't have to be anything more than a few lines of pros and cons and what they would score it. Then they can be collated. Yes its addidtional work, but it could give people a better idea about a show and maybe encourage more people to post their thoughts, instead of just spamming the polls with 1 stars.

Imagine if trains could sing & talk? They’d rule the earth. Like Terminator only with brighter colours & show tunes. Serious stuff 🤦‍♂️

I just wish people would use ‘camp’ more substantively.