LONDON PUB THEATRES REVIEWING POLICY IN BRIEF We review shows in all off west end theatres.  PLEASE NOTE: We currently review shows in pub theatres which have a minimum 5 performances (3 performance for festivals) but cannot guarantee a reviewer especially for a short run. We do our best to cover all shows which have a minimum 3 week run.  We review shows in ALL OTHER OFF WEST END THEATRES which have a minimum 3 week run.

GETTING INTO THEATRE our series for EMERGING THEATRE MAKERS                       
3.  INVITING PRESS: Writing a press release and getting a reviewer 
WRITING A PRESS RELEASE AND GETTING A REVIEWER 

INTRODUCTION

Whilst most theatre makers want to get some feedback for their show, it isn't always advisable to get a review.   At certain points in your career you might feel that you need more time and space for your creativity and you would prefer to get feedback from your peers.  Many pub theatres encourage this and will put you in touch with others who are at a similar point in their own careers.  Another consideration is that your show needs to be at the right stage of development for the more established review platforms.  Please ensure that it has already been workshopped and that it has a designated producer.  It is also worth bearing in mind that our reviewers are also assessors for our awards  and that they will not normally review a second time.  


WHAT YOU SHOULD INCLUDE WITH YOUR PRESS RELEASE 
To request a reviewer, you must send a press release along with an image or poster of the show. Please put the main details in the body of the email plus your attached press release.
The following is helpful
1. The title of the play and venue in the subject line
2. The Invitation, plus any designated press night, dates and times
3. Describe the show, the story, any themes, what's special about it
4. Tell us a little about the company
5. Tell us a little about the cast and creatives if this information is available
6. Add clear listings information including box office details
7. Social media handles
Finally, please don't forget to follow up with production images, so that the editor can add these to your review


So, why bother to get a review?
Four reasons:
1. Good reviews can help you to sell your show
2. They can offer feedback (particularly for new writing, work in progress and new work)
3. They can give you star ratings and quotable lines to take forward
4. They can also give specific actors and creatives excellent mentions to add to their CVs


The star system 
Sometimes, London Pub Theatre reviewers don't award stars to new companies simply because the reviewer may wish to give you feedback rather than a rating. The rating system for LPT magazine has three stars as a good production (but it may not help you to sell your show). Four stars for an excellent show and five stars for a show which really blows us away. Two stars signifies specific issues and a one star would show that we believe it needs workshopping. Not all reviewers agree, and sometimes reviewer’s opinions are polarized but we always strive to be fair and helpful.  


Who can request a reviewer?
1. The theatre
2. The company
3. Actors and creatives 
NOTE: Please confer with each other as it isn't helpful to be sent multiple requests (especially if a reviewer has already been allocated)


How many reviews do you need?
Some will say as many as you can get, but bear in mind the following:
Usually, at London Pub Theatres Magazine, we can only review your show once. Occasionally, if the show has significantly changed (new cast for example), we may agree to do a second review.
The Stage and daily newspapers are so much in demand that generally you need to have a three or four week run to have a chance of getting their attention.  
Other platforms – There are many other theatre platforms who also offer reviews.  


Images
If you have production images, please ensure you send these along to the review platform as soon as they are available.  Good strong images, can tell an audience much about your show. 


PLEASE SEND YOUR PRESS RELEASE TO the Editor, Heather Jeffery at hjwrites@aol.com at least three weeks in advance of the show. We do our best to find a reviewer for you. Generally, this is possible for longer runs, however we cannot always find a reviewer for shows which have short runs.  Please don't forget to ensure that the reviewer has a list of cast and creatives (either sent with your press release or in a programme available on the night) and also to follow up with your production images as soon as they are available. 

Wishing you every success with your show and looking forward to hearing from you!  

GETTING INTO THEATRE The series:



   3. PRESS RELEASES & GETTING A REVIEWER


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