ED: Did you make notes while you were watching the performances of Romeo and Juliet, Gemma?
GEMMA: Yes, I did. I found it quite hard though. I kept getting too involved in the play.
ED: Me too. I ended up not taking notes. I wrote down my impressions when I got home. Do you mind if I check a few things with you? In case I’ve missed anything. And I’ve also got some questions about our assignment.
GEMMA: No, it’s good to talk things through. I may have missed things too.
ED: OK great. So first of all, I’m not sure how much information we should include in our reviews.
GEMMA: Right. Well, I don’t think we need to describe what happens. Especially as Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays.
ED: Yeah, everyone knows the story. In an essay we’d focus on the poetry and Shakespeare’s use of imagery etc., but that isn’t really relevant in a review. We’re supposed to focus on how effective this particular production is.
GEMMA: Mmm. We should say what made it a success or a failure.
ED: And part of that means talking about the emotional impact the performance had on us. I think that’s important.
GEMMA: Yes. And we should definitely mention how well the director handled important bits of the play – like when Romeo climbs onto Juliet’s balcony.
ED: And the fight between Mercutio and Tybalt.
GEMMA: Yes. It would also be interesting to mention the theatre space and how the director used it but I don’t think we’ll have space in 800 words.
ED: No. OK. That all sounds quite straightforward.
it is not easy