“I saw these two monologue plays by Martin Paul Roche. Laugh out loud funny and also very thought provoking. Two excellent performances. Go and see it if you can. New plays on tour. Brilliant.” AND “Absolutely brilliant. Both performances did justice to your writing! Great plays, very poignant in parts but ‘laugh out loud’ comedic in others.”
Theatrical Adjudication, Criticism &Training
For over 20 years, Martin has been involved in Theatrical Adjudication, Reviewing and Assessing theatre performances. This involves reviewing stage productions as part of an organised Theatre Festival or as one-off reviews/critiques independently, for publications (magazines and newspapers) or on commission.
For several years he adjudicated the Full Length Festival for the Greater Manchester Drama Federation, their One Act Play Festival and most recently, the Partington Theatre One Act Festival. In addition, he has adjudicated the Manchester Musical Awards twice.
Although not a member of the much respected organisation, GODA (Guild of Drama Adjudicators), Martin has brought a wealth of experience in performing, directing and writing to this area of his work. Added to this, his professional experience and qualifications in assessment, evaluation, coaching and training have allowed him to develop a process for adjudicating which is well established, respected and fit for purpose.
In addition, his experience in adjudicating is supported by his numerous published reviews and articles (including literary reviews) in newspapers, magazines and online. This has also led to him delivering talks and workshops on the subject.
One Act Play Festivals?
These are as the name suggests a programme of one act plays, performed usually over a week at one theatre to a paying audience. They are sponsored/organised by a local Drama Association of Festival but there are also nationally organised festivals. At the end of each evening the adjudicator gives a verbal critique/assessment of the pieces performed. By the end of the Festival week, the Adjudicator will usually annouce the winners of that Festival to the audience on the last night based on a number of categories covering acting, direction and technical elements to name but a few. There may also be written assessments subsequently produced by the adjudicator for the performing companies.
Full Length Festivals?
These usually span a complete performing season (e.g., from September through to May) and the adjudicator is again commissioned by a local (or national) Drama Association or Festival covering a large catchment area of theatres and performing companies, to visit the productions of those companies, produce a written assessment (usually) of the production which are then provided to the companies and then form the basis on which the adjudicator decides who has won the numerous catergories/awards within that festival. The awards are invariably announced at a presentation evening at the end of the season.
"First Night Reviews"
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Martin is able to provide a review on your first or preview night which will be published online using his own social media feeds and also yours - that night!
In this way you get a quality and honest review and get it out there to your audiences in time to hit those all important ticket sales.
You will also be given permission automatically to republish, repost, edit and reference as you feel appropriate as long as the author is credited.
Want to know more? Use the contact page to find out more.
Latest News
'Where is the life?' Feedback from the audience (2023)
"We were there last night. It was absolutely brilliant. Sensitive, funny and absolutely heartbreaking. Moved us all to tears. Brilliant acting, brave choice of play. Loved it. Definitely not to be missed" ... "Congratulations guys. This play was brilliant. Such a rollercoaster of emotions. The cast and director did a great job" ... "Watched it last night and really enjoyed it" ... "Book now to avoid disappointment" ... "Utterly brilliant. Well done. Loved it"
Gymnopédies - feedback from the premiere (2022)
“Thank you to you and the cast for a fabulous evening. We all really enjoyed it and have booked tickets for another performance. What an amazing talent. Brilliant.”
“You’ve a masterpiece of a script.” “Loved it.” “It’s a smash.”
“Fabulous play ... loved every second.” “Absolutely amazing.”
“An excellent piece of work with an excellent cast.”
“A great play with a brilliant cast, quality acting, and a rich script.”
“We really enjoyed it. Very well cast. The actors did brilliantly, very convincing. Great work.”
“An excellent play by Martin Paul Roche. Well directed and performed by all three ladies.”
“Terrific play, wish you great success with it.”
“Congratulations on the play - it was excellent - a very clever and thought-provoking production. I thought the three ladies were all brilliant.”
"Thoughtful, contemporary and intelligent work. Great performances. Highly recommended!"
“A brilliant production. Congratulations ... this will be a play I remember. Bravo.”
The King's Orphan
Audience Feedback for 'The King's Orphan': "“What a gem! ‘The King’s Orphan’ at Guide Bridge Theatre. A script that moves an audience from tears to laughter and back again - not just once but again and again. A powerful piece of theatre from Martin Paul Roche.”
What the audience thought... "Is there anybody there?"
First night audience feedback on social media following the premiere:
"Pure brilliance" ... "Absolutely gripped" ... "Excellent script" ... "Brilliantly acted" ... “A very original and entertaining piece of theatre” ... “A really thought provoking play. I loved it … what a mixture of emotions” ... "Really enjoyed last night. Great play, funny and dark at the same time. Highly recommended" ... "Brilliant in every way. Totally loved it. Well done to all of you. Martin has such excellent writing skills; I actually couldn't wait to get back in the theatre at the interval to see how things panned out. Totally awesome" ... "Seriously, the play was fabulous. Get down there this week."