Remarks about critic

Press, 22 June 1979, Page 12

Remarks about critic

Sir, — We no sooner get the wrangle between the visiti ig operatic society and the Christchurch Operatic Society out of sight in the wings, than two local protagonists take the newspaper stage. Bob Nimmo (local playwright and producer) fronts up to Howard McNaughton (local critic). No holds are barred. Just as I find it indefensible that Bob Nimmo should vent his ire against the critic from the theatre stage, I find it likewise indefensible that Howard McNaughton should use his entire column in rebuttal — no word of the production or the hard-work-ing performers. I suggest to the two gentlemen that “pistols at dawn” might prove a more equitable (and dramatic!) solution. — Yours, etc., JILL WILCOX, June 19, 1979, Sir, — After reading the report by Howard McNaughton regarding the review of “Let’s Look on the Bright Side,” I felt I must write to say how disappointed I was that no mention Of the actual show was made. Being the mother of children in the show and knowing the amount of hard work everyone has put into it, I feel that surely Howard McNaughton could do what he’s paid to do — report on the quality of the show as he sees it. Perhaps Mr Nimmo was wrong in his criticism, but surely just a short mention of this would have been sufficient. I do feel that Howard McNaughton owes it to the whole cast to review the show in a proper manner. — Yours, etC ” (Mrs) CHRISTINE GRANGER. June 19, 1979. Sir, — It may be naive of me but I had understood a theatre critic’s job was to give an opinion of work presented. After reading Howard McNaughton’s writing on “Let’s Look on the Bright Side,” it is plain I have been misled. Maybe Bob Nimmo’s comments on stage at the premiere of the play were not called for and maybe Howard McNaughton’s defence is justified but the “wounded bull” act in “The Press” on Monday hardly is responsible reporting. As a member of the public who hopes to gain from constructive criticism published for my benefit, I was disappointed with the review. I have no connection with Mr Nimmo or the production and would hope to read any review based on the merits or otherwise of the play as staged. — Yours, etc., P. M. GEANGE. June 19, 1979. Sir, — On behalf of Triangle Productions, we wish to make it clear that this organisation neither supports nor opposes the entirely personal view of Mr Nimmo as expressed on June 16. 1979. However we wish to make it clear that we consider “Let’s Look on the Bright Side” to be one of the best family shows seen in this city, and that we are fortunate in being able to promote Mr Bob Nimmo’s work. Further, we are concerned that Mr Nimmo was misrepresented by Howard McNaughton in his newspaper column. Mr Nimmo at no stage specified or implied Canterbury Children’s Theatre, and the capitals in the column were entirely Howard McNaughton’s. — Yours, etc., D. McCONNEL, Promotions manager. J. GALLAGHER, Production Manager. Triangle Productions. June 19, 1979.