I wonder why the Evening Standard published a de Johng review of "Love's Labours Lost" at Stratford ? Couldn't he have reviewed something of more relevance to the newspaper's readers (ie. Londoners). As we have discussed before, this production will never come anywhere near London. He doesn't review any other non-London productions, so why this one ? It all seems very odd.

Also, why do the RSC bother giving him free tickets for Stratford ? WHy not just confine him to their London transfers ?

Jan, I think your question stands alone in its existential glory without all that stuff about Stratford.
What is he for?

I reckon there are two things driving this. The Standard, despite being effectively a local rag, likes to think of itself as having some kind of national standing so considers a Stratford, Avon opening to be as within its remit as a Stratford, East London one. Plus, LLL has Dr Who in it so the Standard wouldn't want to miss out on the buzz surrounding it.


.... well I suppose it was begging that response, wasn't it?! As it happens, I don't mind his articles, I generally find them well-written and indicative of someone quite knowledgable about the subject. Plus he's the only critic I can think of who's put his head above the parapet by both directing & writing.

He did review 'The Vortex', with Will Young in Manchester, last year.

I think if there is a 'name' performing then a review is almost guaranteed from him.

I always thought the purpose of De Jongh was to make me feel better about my own faltering review skills. It's certainly the only positive impact he has on my life, anyway...

Did he ? Interesting. Why that particular production, I wonder ? Or rather, I don't.

To be honest I think maybe he has ventured to Chichester too occasionally ? But I have never seen him review anything at (say) Sheffield where they have "big name" actors too sometimes.

I too actually quite like and agree with many of his reviews, although he does set himself up a bit by saying things like "the Finborough - our best fringe theatre" without declaring an interest.