The ideal review length should be around 250 words. Sometimes it may need less, sometimes more.
Important: Indicate in the review if you have any affiliation or relationship with what you are reviewing (e.g. you are related to those in the production and/or performers).
Style of the review
The first sentence or two of the review is also "the teaser" - this will appear on the index page listing all reviews or on the front page - so it should get the essence of the review the show, type of show, quality of the production, and what you thought of it.
It should be sufficient information for the reader to decide whether they want to read on, or rather it should grab a reader so that they do want to read on. This is perhaps the most important part of the review. In a way, it is like a abbreviated review in itself. A publication that does this well is Variety.
In the main review, highlight what worked well or who performed well and also the show's shortcomings.
Try to avoid telling too much of the story, and please don't include spoilers.
Ratings
Rating a show meaningfully is really important. After a long process and much discussion the EG review team agreed on these guidelines for our review system. The "good" theme is a nod to Thelma Good who was EG's first theatre editor.
Ratings are out of 5.
1 - Really not good
2 - Not good
3 - Pretty good
4 - Very good
5 - Exceptionally good!
Dont forget at the end of the show to mention the time of the show. Use italics for the time ("I" icon above) e.g. Times: 12-25 August, 7.30pm. Tuesday matinee, 2.30pm. Or for more complicated times: Times: 12,13, 16-20, 23-25 August, 2.15pm. 14,15,21,22 August, 1.30pm