About

We are four anonymous theatre afficionados.  We believe that anonymity allows us to deliver truly unbiased reviews.  Our biographies have minor details tweaked. They are broadly accurate, but adjusted enough so that you can’t work out who we are.

The Veteran:

Emily, 48, has been attending West End shows for nearly four decades. A former drama teacher, she brings a wealth of knowledge about theatrical techniques and history. Emily has seen every Jean Valjean since Les Misérables’ 1985 premiere and can sing the entire show from memory.

The Industry Insider:

Sarah, 42, worked as a stage manager for 15 years before transitioning to arts administration. Her behind-the-scenes experience gives her a unique insight into the technical aspects of productions. Sarah’s reviews often highlight the unsung heroes of theatre – the lighting designers, sound engineers, and costume departments.

The Straight Shooter:

Richard, 52, is our most uncompromising critic. By day, he’s a senior partner at a prestigious management consultancy firm. By night, he brings his sharp analytical skills to every production he reviews. Richard’s theatrical journey began as a passionate audience member, but over the years, he’s become more deeply involved in the industry, having invested in several West End productions. Richard is known for his brutally honest, no-holds-barred reviews.

The Newcomer:

Zain, 29, is the newest member of the Secret Stage Reviews team. A software engineer by day, Zain discovered a love for theatre only three years ago but has since become an avid attendee and has already seen over 100 West End productions. His fresh eyes and ability to relate shows to a newcomer’s perspective make his reviews particularly valuable for those just beginning to explore the world of theatre.

Our Star System

:star::star::star::star::star:

Exceptional: A truly outstanding production that excels in all aspects. Innovative, memorable, and deeply impactful.  Probably the best in its genre for the year.

:star::star::star::star:

Very Good: An impressive production that excels in most areas. Minor flaws may exist but don’t significantly detract from the overall experience. Highly recommended for all theatre enthusiasts.

:star::star::star:

Average: A solid production with both strengths and weaknesses. Enjoyable for most theatre-goers but not exceptional. Worth seeing if the subject matter or cast appeals to you, but there will be many better ways to spend your money.

:star::star:

Below Average: A production that falls short of expectations. While it may have some redeeming qualities, the overall experience is unsatisfactory. Only for die-hard fans of the genre or cast.

:star:

Poor: A disappointing production with significant flaws. Major issues in multiple areas such as acting, direction, script, or technical elements. Not recommended.

What Sets Us Apart

Anonymity: We believe that anonymity allows us to deliver truly unbiased reviews without external influences or pressures.

Expertise: Our team boasts a wealth of theatrical experience and knowledge, so that we can offer you informed and nuanced perspectives on each production.

Honesty: We pride ourselves on our candid approach, never shying away from constructive criticism when warranted. Although our review team is invited to most press nights, we never inflate our reviews to inveigle tickets.

Audience-Focused: Our reviews are crafted with you, the theatre-goer, in mind. Theatre is expense. We want to help you make the best choices with a limited budget.

Our Review Process: Each production is carefully evaluated based on multiple criteria, including: performance quality, direction and staging, set design and technical elements, script and narrative strength and overall audience experience

Please send all enquiries and questions to:

 Jack Blaze isn’t a real person; it’s a pseudonym we collectively use.