1,442 posts
|
Post by n1david on Nov 5, 2019 14:16:29 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by theatremonkey.com on Nov 5, 2019 14:24:42 GMT
Old critics never retire, they merely review their options.
|
|
967 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by happysooz 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.
|
|
967 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by happysooz on Nov 5, 2019 16:12:56 GMT
If it was deliberate click bait, it worked ;-)
|
|
1,442 posts
|
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... |
|
967 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by happysooz 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! |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
201 posts
|
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.
|
|
2,168 posts
|
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.
|
|
3,681 posts
Member is Online
|
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.
|
|
802 posts
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Post by londonpostie on Nov 5, 2019 23:12:48 GMT
Billington retires as Guardian's drama critic
|
|
635 posts
|
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.
|
|
43 posts
|
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.
|
|
507 posts
|
Post by Polly1 on Nov 8, 2019 11:46:48 GMT
|
|
