Remarks about critic

Press, 19 June 1979, Page 18

Remarks about critic

Sir, — The report (June 18) of Mr Bob Nimmo’s remarks about your theatre critic from the stage of the James Hay Theatre cannot be allowed to go without comment. Only those people actually involved in a production, or closely associated with one can know the anguish which is suffered between the curtain calls and the first edition. We always worry and wonder what the critic will have to say, and, being human, we tend to build up incredible mental defences against the possibility of a poor review. This is the first time I have ever heard of anyone voicing those defences from the stage of a theatre. Mr McNaughton emerges in print with, at times, disarming candour, and with a review based on experience and sound theatrical knowledge. His complete integrity is, and I am sure will continue to be, the cornerstone on which his perceptive reviews are based, and I admire the way he treated this unpleasantness. More power to his pen. — Yours, etc., BRIAN G. DEAVOLL. June 18, 1979.

Sir, — Having read Howard McNaughton’s review on “Let’s Look on the Bright Side,” I can only say, what review? Because of some animosity between Mr McNaughton and Mr Nimmo over a previous show, your critic has decided to be noncommittal. It would appear that Mr McNaughton, as a critic, cannot accept criticism, either. Having been a keen collector of film and theatre history for over 25 years, I still believe that this is the best New Zealand production that I have seen yet. I wish Mr Nimmo every success. — Yours, etc., A. N. BEISSEL. June 18, 1979.

Sir, — Canterbury Children’s Theatre with its 28-year-old tradition of presenting adult casts in the best of theatre for children is in no way connected with the production at present in the James Hay Theatre. It does not share or support the views of Mr Bob Nimmo. —• Yours, etc., P. D. BROWN, President, Canterbury Children’s Theatre, Inc. June 18, 1979.