A Guide to Stargazing

Stargazing is a muddy business…

As useful as it is thorny, the star rating system is something we talk about a lot in our team. Here's a guide on how to interpret Fringebiscuit’s star ratings.

First up,

Remember that you don’t need a constellation to prove that your ideas are worthwhile. We've said it before and we'll say it again: Your show isn’t a proxy for your worth as an artist or as a person. And you're the only one that can create the work that you do.

We encourage you to treat our reviews like any other artistic advice— take what’s useful, and gleefully chuck what isn’t. Remember, the Fringebiscuit team aren’t arbiters of theatre— just interested arts professionals.

On with the stargazing!

1 STAR

An endeavour that is not ready for the stage yet.

It may have fundamental issues in its conception or execution. It may also have elements that make it physically or emotionally unsafe for its viewers.

A sense that the presentation didn't get external feedback before presenting.

Both plot and characters are poorly constructed, and the rules of the story world are unclear. Basically, we leave confused about the point of it all.

Would we watch it again? Thanks but no thanks.

2 stars

A call-out to take risks and push the boundaries!

A proper show. It needs work but has redeeming features that can be built upon.

It's evident what the show is trying to accomplish, and the idea behind the show has us on board, but the execution has issues to be addressed in order to engage the audience fully.

Would we watch it again? Maybe, if there’s nothing else on.

3 stars

A distinctly good show. Highly competent. The intention and execution align.

Quality acting, writing, stagecraft & design. Not mind-blowing, but truly enjoyable.

A show that won't disappoint its target audience.

Would we watch it again? Sure— and we’d recommend it to likely fans.

4 stars

A show that excels in execution.

Displays originality, and creative storytelling. Intellectually, artistically and/or emotionally complex.

Shows we leave stimulated.

Would we watch it again? Definitely, and we’re telling all our friends about it.

5 stars

The best iteration of this idea. Everything is in sync, and the whole exceeds the sum of its parts.

A show reaching beyond obvious ideas.

There's a sense that this show has been through a detailed development process.

Shows that we leave buzzing.

Would we watch it again? Yes, asap— we’re still thinking about it days later, and we’re shouting “GO SEE IT!!!” to anyone who’ll listen.

And then there's WIP,

aka work-in-progress

Artists actively looking for feedback on their newest brainchild who are kind enough to invite audiences to share their work onstage. We treat this with the same rigour and care as any other show, but we're mindful that it's still pursuing the best version of itself. So no stars.