Art: The performance arts: reviews and critiques

overrated. Example: That TV series is overrated.

not as good as people say

hackneyed. Example: The plot was so hackneyed!

done so often it is boring

disjointed. Example: The play was disjointed and difficult to follow.

unconnected and not in a clear order

far-fetched. Example: The film was a bit far-fetched.

impossible to believe

risqué. Example: The play was a bit risqué.

against accepted social standards, likely to shock

gripping. Example: It was a gripping film from start to finish.

exciting, keeping your attention

harrowing. Example: It was a harrowing documentary about war.

extremely upsetting

moving. Example: It's a moving story about a child whose mother dies.

making you feel pity or sadness

memorable/unforgettable. Example: What a truly memorable performance.

you remember it long after

understated. Example: The ballerina's performance was understated.

done or expressed in a simple but attractive style

tedious. Example: The play was long and tedious.

boring

hilarious. Example: That new comedian is hilarious.

extremely funny

applause. Example: The applause was deafening.

clapping to show enjoyment

glowing reviews. Example: It got glowing reviews.

excellent reviews

encores. Example: The audience called for several encores.

calls from the audience to perform more

standing ovation. Example: She got a standing ovation.

the audience stood up and applauded at the end

awards. Example: Her latest album has won three awards.

prizes/honours

up-and-coming. Example: Sam won Best up-and-coming actor.

likely to become very successful

masterpiece. Example: Her new symphony is a masterpiece.

very great work of art

typecast. Example: She has become typecast as a middle-aged mother.

always associated with that type of role

panned/slated. Example: His latest opera was panned by the critics.

very negatively criticised

lauded. Example: His previous works were universally lauded.

highly praised

bombed. Example: The play bombed in London's West End.

was a failure

booed. Example: The show was booed on the first night.

got disapproving noises from the audience

total flop. Example: The new soap is a total flop.

complete failure

miscast. Example: Novak was miscast as the father.

was the wrong person for the role

unconvincing. Example: He was very unconvincing.

not seeming real or true

audition. Example: Megan did well in the audition.

short performance to show ability, hoping to get a role

rehearsals. Example: She's busy going to rehearsals.

practice performances

interpretation. Example: I liked her interpretation of the song.

way of understanding and performing it

version. Example: I prefer the original version.

one of several performances that exist

covers. Example: None of the covers are as good.

versions of songs that are not the original

portrayal. Example: Her portrayal of the mother was tender.

the picture she created of a character