2,761 posts
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Post by n1david on Nov 5, 2019 14:16:29 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2019 16:12:24 GMT
Now I’ve read the article ‘quits’ in the title feels (perhaps deliberately?) a bit dramatic. I always think quits suggests rage and anger, but in reality he is stepping down as he is 80.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2019 16:12:56 GMT
If it was deliberate click bait, it worked ;-)
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2,761 posts
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Post by n1david on Nov 5, 2019 16:46:31 GMT
Now I’ve read the article ‘quits’ in the title feels (perhaps deliberately?) a bit dramatic. I always think quits suggests rage and anger, but in reality he is stepping down as he is 80. It's because "stands down from" was too long for the thread title... |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2019 16:47:19 GMT
Now I’ve read the article ‘quits’ in the title feels (perhaps deliberately?) a bit dramatic. I always think quits suggests rage and anger, but in reality he is stepping down as he is 80. It's because "stands down from" was too long for the thread title... The truth is always so prosaic! |
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Post by learfan on Nov 5, 2019 17:44:01 GMT
He has had a pretty good innings. I noticed in Smiths today a brand new monthly mag called "The Critic", looks promising.
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423 posts
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Post by dlevi on Nov 5, 2019 18:45:01 GMT
His stepping down is long overdue. For nearly the past decade or so when he has been reviewing an oft-revived play he continues to focus on the play itself rather than the production he is reviewing. his musings on the umpteenth production of 12th Night or Uncle Vanya while insightful to drama lit majors rarely offered insight into the productions themselves. Of course he has been the best of a bad lot - but his dismissive attitude toward musicals and his hatred of America in general should not go unmentioned.
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4,984 posts
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Post by Someone in a tree on Nov 5, 2019 20:13:06 GMT
He is my go to critic but I always have a pinch of salt at the ready.
I'll miss him.
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5,058 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Nov 5, 2019 21:42:21 GMT
He is certainly a one of a kind critic and knows his onions and Shakespeare with his wealth of wisdom. A sad day he has pulled up sticks.
However he is of a great age and would be also great to give fresh blood a chance, they are big shoes to fill. Henry Hitchens must be wetting his lips.
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1,249 posts
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Post by joem on Nov 5, 2019 21:56:25 GMT
Quits is a little bit over-dramatic. The man's 80!
Last of the old breed. A very erudite and usually fair-minded critic. His biography of Pinter is highly recommended as is his "State of the Nation". Wish him all the best in his retirement. If I had his job I'd never retire.
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Post by londonpostie on Nov 5, 2019 23:12:48 GMT
Billington retires as Guardian's drama critic
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904 posts
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Post by lonlad on Nov 6, 2019 0:35:24 GMT
That's the end of the generation of Wardle/Billington/Coveney/Spencer/Nightingale .... all now departed from their posts. I guess Susannah Clapp becomes the reigning theatre critic by default. At least it isn't Quentie Lettuce.
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116 posts
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Post by alexandra on Nov 6, 2019 12:28:25 GMT
I'll miss him a lot. He had the rare capacity to make you appreciate a show you'd already seen more, by giving you new insight into it. He did that for me many times.
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587 posts
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Post by Polly1 on Nov 8, 2019 11:46:48 GMT
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5,058 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Nov 8, 2019 17:25:58 GMT
Who?
Big boots to fill, but no one can emulate Michael so don’t bother trying, so best if Arifa be her own person, with my best wishes.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2019 17:42:36 GMT
Who? Big boots to fill, but no one can emulate Michael so don’t bother trying, so best if Arifa be her own person, with my best wishes. I, for one, am glad to see the back of Billington. I find his writing one sided and very left leaning, politically and I just dont think politics needs to come in reviews as much as he brings it in. The whole theatre criticism scene is in a huge period of change. Out with the old, in with the new. |
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5,058 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Nov 8, 2019 17:56:21 GMT
Who? Big boots to fill, but no one can emulate Michael so don’t bother trying, so best if Arifa be her own person, with my best wishes. I, for one, am glad to see the back of Billington. I find his writing one sided and very left leaning, politically and I just dont think politics needs to come in reviews as much as he brings it in. The whole theatre criticism scene is in a huge period of change. Out with the old, in with the new. Who would you say is a good reviewer? |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2019 18:08:14 GMT
I, for one, am glad to see the back of Billington. I find his writing one sided and very left leaning, politically and I just dont think politics needs to come in reviews as much as he brings it in. The whole theatre criticism scene is in a huge period of change. Out with the old, in with the new. Who would you say is a good reviewer? Honestly, I can't say I have a favourite or go to. I find myself agreeing with and liking Andrej of Time Out the most, but his review of High Fidelity really rubbed me up the wrong way recently. I think a young, fresh and down to earth voice is missing from the major newspapers. Nobody really reads print media anymore. I just think alot of critics make their writing about themselves and not really about the actual show and its content. I like a reviewer that breaks down the show and content, analyses and evaluates the show without using words found in an Etonian graduate dissertation. To be quite honest, I think theatre reviews need to be more accessible and engaging for people of all backgrounds and all ages (within reason). If you have any suggestions for writers you think I might like, please suggest some. |
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1,970 posts
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Post by sf on Nov 8, 2019 18:34:12 GMT
Who? Big boots to fill, but no one can emulate Michael so don’t bother trying, so best if Arifa be her own person, with my best wishes. I, for one, am glad to see the back of Billington. I find his writing one sided and very left leaning, politically and I just dont think politics needs to come in reviews as much as he brings it in. The whole theatre criticism scene is in a huge period of change. Out with the old, in with the new.
On some level, everything is political. And it's hardly shocking to find a left-leaning writer in the Guardian.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2019 18:54:17 GMT
I, for one, am glad to see the back of Billington. I find his writing one sided and very left leaning, politically and I just dont think politics needs to come in reviews as much as he brings it in. The whole theatre criticism scene is in a huge period of change. Out with the old, in with the new.
On some level, everything is political. And it's hardly shocking to find a left-leaning writer in the Guardian.
Yes, I agree but there's a time and place. I don't think theatre reviews should be constantly made political. It is one thing that I think should be as politically free as possible and accessible to everyone. Every review I to read has some mention of "feminism" or "diversity" or "toxic masculinity" - can't it just be about the art?! Right or left, I dont appreciate it. Sure, if thats what the piece is talking about, I think it could be ok. I am tired of feeling like I am preached to by writers. But hey, this is all just my two cents. |
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Nov 8, 2019 19:12:26 GMT
I, for one, am glad to see the back of Billington. I find his writing one sided and very left leaning, politically and I just dont think politics needs to come in reviews as much as he brings it in. The whole theatre criticism scene is in a huge period of change. Out with the old, in with the new. Who would you say is a good reviewer? Nicholas on 'ere. Best in the business |
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1,970 posts
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Post by sf on Nov 8, 2019 19:20:40 GMT
On some level, everything is political. And it's hardly shocking to find a left-leaning writer in the Guardian.
Yes, I agree but there's a time and place. I don't think theatre reviews should be constantly made political. It is one thing that I think should be as politically free as possible and accessible to everyone. Every review I to read has some mention of "feminism" or "diversity" or "toxic masculinity" - can't it just be about the art?! Right or left, I dont appreciate it. Sure, if thats what the piece is talking about, I think it could be ok. I am tired of feeling like I am preached to by writers. But hey, this is all just my two cents.
Perhaps it's sometimes illuminating to view the art through those lenses?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2019 20:02:27 GMT
Yes, I agree but there's a time and place. I don't think theatre reviews should be constantly made political. It is one thing that I think should be as politically free as possible and accessible to everyone. Every review I to read has some mention of "feminism" or "diversity" or "toxic masculinity" - can't it just be about the art?! Right or left, I dont appreciate it. Sure, if thats what the piece is talking about, I think it could be ok. I am tired of feeling like I am preached to by writers. But hey, this is all just my two cents.
Perhaps it's sometimes illuminating to view the art through those lenses?
Perhaps. It's just not for me. And I wish there was an outlet for me and other people like me. But, I doubt there's many of us. |
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2,339 posts
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Nov 8, 2019 22:29:37 GMT
Perhaps it's sometimes illuminating to view the art through those lenses?
Perhaps. It's just not for me. And I wish there was an outlet for me and other people like me. But, I doubt there's many of us. Eh? |
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Post by londonpostie on Nov 8, 2019 23:00:19 GMT
I, for one, am glad to see the back of Billington. I find his writing one sided and very left leaning, politically and I just dont think politics needs to come in reviews as much as he brings it in. The whole theatre criticism scene is in a huge period of change. Out with the old, in with the new.
Could you pick out an example? |
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