Who We Are – Listen here to an introduction and overview from FringeReview editor, Paul Levy:
FringeReview is the reviews publication that actively seeks out good theatre.
Established in 2006, FringeReview is a team of writers, performers, directors, producers and theatre practioners who are passionate about theatre.
Our Promise
FringeReview began at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2006 provides considered reviews of theatre, and productions from chosen Fringe Events in the UK. In 2008 we have branched out to review fringe theatre all year round in London and Brighton.
We do not review all events on offer during, but rather make a considered selection. We seek out good quality theatre and tend to review shows having already researched a group, writer and piece in advance. Our reviews are written by people who work in the field. We do not shy away from detailed, constructive critique, as you can see from our Reviews Policy.
Our Position
Reviews are designed to enable you to enjoy Fringe theatre. We sit on the fringes of the Fringe and dip in on your behalf.
FringeReview Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which FringeReview US collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a “User”) of the fringereview website (“Site”). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by FringeReview..
Personal identification information
We may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when Users visit our site, register on the site, subscribe to the newsletter, respond to a survey, fill out a form, and in connection with other activities, services, features or resources we make available on our Site. Users may be asked for, as appropriate, name, email address, phone number. Users may, however, visit our Site anonymously. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can always refuse to supply personally identification information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities.
Non-personal identification information
We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service providers utilized and other similar information.
Web browser cookies
Our Site may use “cookies” to enhance User experience. User’s web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. User may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly.
How we use collected information
FringeReview may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes:
- To improve customer service
Information you provide helps us respond to your customer service requests and support needs more efficiently. - To personalize user experience
We may use information in the aggregate to understand how our Users as a group use the services and resources provided on our Site. - To improve our Site
We may use feedback you provide to improve our products and services. - To run a promotion, contest, survey or other Site feature
To send Users information they agreed to receive about topics we think will be of interest to them. - To send periodic emails
We may use the email address to respond to their inquiries, questions, and/or other requests. If User decides to opt-in to our mailing list, they will receive emails that may include company news, updates, related product or service information, etc. If at any time the User would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, we include detailed unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email or User may contact us via our Site.
How we protect your information
We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on our Site.
Sharing your personal information
We do not sell, trade, or rent Users personal identification information to others. We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information regarding visitors and users with our business partners, trusted affiliates and advertisers for the purposes outlined above.
Third party websites
Users may find advertising or other content on our Site that link to the sites and services of our partners, suppliers, advertisers, sponsors, licensors and other third parties. We do not control the content or links that appear on these sites and are not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from our Site. In addition, these sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing. These sites and services may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to our Site, is subject to that website’s own terms and policies.
Changes to this privacy policy
FringeReview has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will post a notification on the main page of our Site, revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.
Your acceptance of these terms
By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy and terms of service. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.
Contacting us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us at:
FringeReview
www.fringereview.com
gubbins@fringereview.co.uk
This document was last updated on 7 August, 2014
Privacy policy created by Generate Privacy Policy
FringeReview Terms of Service (“Agreement”)
This Agreement was last modified on 7 August, 2014.
Please read these Terms of Service completely prior to using fringereview.us which is owned and operated by FringeReview This Agreement documents the legally binding terms and conditions attached to the use of the Site at fringereview.co.uk.
By using or accessing the Site in any way, viewing or browsing the Site, or adding your own content to the Site, you are agreeing to be bound by these Terms of Service.
Intellectual Property
The Site and all of its original content (except for reviews – see below) are the sole property of FringeReview and are, as such, fully protected by the appropriate international copyright and other intellectual property rights laws.
All original review content belongs to the reviewers who write it, but FringeReview retains the right to keep such content posted at fringereview.co.uk.
Termination
FringeReview reserves the right to terminate your access to the Site, without any advance notice.
Links to Other Websites
Our Site does contain a number of links to other websites and online resources that are not owned or controlled by FringeReview.
FringeReview has no control over, and therefore cannot assume responsibility for, the content or general practices of any of these third party sites and/or services. Therefore, we strongly advise you to read the entire terms and conditions and privacy policy of any site that you visit as a result of following a link that is posted on our site.
Governing Law
This Agreement is governed in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom
Changes to This Agreement
FringeReview reserves the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. We do so by posting and drawing attention to the updated terms on the Site. Your decision to continue to visit and make use of the Site after such changes have been made constitutes your formal acceptance of the new Terms of Service.
Therefore, we ask that you check and review this Agreement for such changes on an occasional basis. Should you not agree to any provision of this Agreement or any changes we make to this Agreement, we ask and advise that you do not use or continue to access the FringeReview site immediately.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Agreement, please feel free to contact us at gubbins@fringereview.co.uk
Version: 3.0
FRINGEREVIEW COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
Adopted: [June 1st 2026]
Review date: [May 31st 2027]
1. Introduction
FringeReview is an informal voluntary arts reviewing organisation and online publication. It is not a commercial business, an employer or a registered charity. Those involved in FringeReview are, unless otherwise stated, unpaid volunteers.
FringeReview publishes reviews and other arts-related material and engages with artists, producers, venues, readers and the wider public. As a public-facing publication, it recognises that concerns may arise about published content, reviewer conduct, editorial conduct, conflicts of interest, or the way complaints are handled.
This procedure explains how complaints may be made and how FringeReview will seek to deal with them fairly, proportionately and transparently, while recognising the practical limits of a voluntary organisation.
2. Purpose of the procedure
The purpose of this procedure is to provide a clear route for members of the public, artists, companies, venues, publicists, readers and others to raise concerns about FringeReview’s activities.
FringeReview will seek to handle complaints:
– fairly and respectfully
– as promptly as reasonably possible
– in a way that is proportionate to the issue raised
– by people who are not directly conflicted, where possible
– with proper regard to editorial freedom and honest critical opinion
– with due regard to privacy and confidentiality
– in a way that reflects the fact that FringeReview is run voluntarily and without paid staff
This procedure is an internal complaints process. It does not create contractual rights or employment rights and does not prevent any person from seeking advice or taking action outside FringeReview where appropriate.
3. General principles
FringeReview will seek to apply the following principles when dealing with complaints.
3.1 Fairness
Complaints will be considered on their merits. Where a complaint is serious enough to require formal consideration, both the complainant and the person complained about should have a fair opportunity to set out their position.
3.2 Proportionality
Minor matters should be dealt with simply and quickly where possible. More serious matters, such as significant factual inaccuracies, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, abuse of position, retaliation or undisclosed conflicts of interest, may require a fuller process.
3.3 Conflict management
No person should investigate, decide or hear an appeal about a complaint if they are the subject of it, a likely witness, or so closely connected to the matter that impartial handling would be unrealistic.
3.4 Respect for honest criticism
FringeReview exists to review and critique artistic work. This procedure does not allow a complainant to require FringeReview to withdraw an honestly held critical opinion simply because it is unfavourable.
3.5 Respectful communication
FringeReview expects all parties to communicate respectfully during the complaints process. It may place limits on abusive, threatening, discriminatory or persistently harassing communications.
3.6 Voluntary capacity
All complaints are handled by volunteers. FringeReview will aim to meet the timescales in this procedure, but those timescales are targets rather than guarantees.
so the caveat is that we will follow all aspects of this procedure within the practical limitations of our resources as a voluntary organisation that receives no funding.
4. What this procedure covers
A complaint may be made about FringeReview’s activities as a reviewing publication and voluntary arts organisation, including:
4.1 Published content
This includes complaints about:
– reviews
– previews
– interviews
– features
– opinion pieces
– blog posts
– social media posts made on behalf of FringeReview
– newsletters
– captions, headlines and accompanying text
– audio or video content published by FringeReview
but these complaints must be about unacceptable behaviour over a reviewer. They do not include disagreements of opinion or interpretation about published content.
4.2 Reviewer, editor or volunteer conduct
This includes concerns about a FringeReview reviewer, editor or other volunteer acting in that capacity, such as:
– inappropriate behaviour towards artists, companies, venues, readers or members of the public
– bullying, harassment or intimidation
– discriminatory behaviour or language
– misuse of position within FringeReview
– serious breach of confidentiality
– serious unprofessional conduct in the course of FringeReview activity
4.3 Reviewing and editorial process
This includes complaints concerning:
– significant factual inaccuracies
– misleading presentation of factual material
– undisclosed conflicts of interest
– conduct that calls into question the fairness or integrity of a review
– misuse of unpublished review material or private correspondence
– serious failure to follow FringeReview’s own stated policies or procedures
– unfair handling of a previous complaint
5. What this procedure does not normally cover
The following will not usually lead to a complaint being upheld unless they also involve inaccuracy, misconduct, bad faith, conflict of interest or other unfairness.
5.1 Disagreement with a review as opinion
FringeReview will not uphold a complaint simply because a performer, company or reader disagrees with a reviewer’s taste, judgement, rating or critical opinion.
5.2 Disappointment at not being reviewed
FringeReview is under no obligation to review every show or event. A complaint that a show was not selected for review will not normally be upheld unless there is evidence of discrimination, retaliation, bad faith or a serious conflict issue.
5.3 Vexatious or abusive complaints
FringeReview may refuse to continue with a complaint that is plainly abusive, threatening, discriminatory, repetitive without new grounds, or made in bad faith. If so, it should give a brief written reason.
5.4 Matters outside FringeReview
FringeReview cannot determine complaints about people or organisations outside FringeReview unless the issue directly concerns a FringeReview representative acting in that role.
6. Who may complain
A complaint may be made by:
– a person directly affected by the matter
– an artist, company, venue representative or publicist affected by the matter
– a reader or member of the public with a legitimate concern about published material or conduct
– someone acting on behalf of another person or organisation, where there is authority or a good reason to do so
7. Time limit for making a complaint
A complaint should normally be made within 28 calendar days of:
– the publication of the material complained of
– the conduct complained of, or
– the complainant becoming aware of the matter, if later
FringeReview may consider a later complaint where it is reasonable to do so, particularly if the matter is serious or the complainant could not reasonably have complained earlier.
8. How to make a complaint
Complaints should normally be made in writing to FringeReview’s complaints contact or published complaints address.
A complaint should, where possible, include:
1. the complainant’s name and contact details
2. the article, review, post, conduct or decision being complained about
3. the date and any relevant link, screenshot or copy
4. a clear explanation of the concern
5. any relevant evidence or supporting material
6. the outcome sought
7. whether the complaint concerns the Editor
If a complainant cannot reasonably submit the complaint in writing, FringeReview may accept it in another form and produce a written note of it.
9. Informal resolution of minor matters
Where appropriate, FringeReview may deal with a minor complaint informally. This may include a typo, a simple factual slip, a missing credit, a minor misunderstanding, or a point that can be resolved by clarification.
Possible informal outcomes include:
– correction
– clarification
– apology
– explanation
– acknowledgement of concern
– no further action, with reasons
If a complainant remains dissatisfied and the matter is within scope, they may ask for it to be considered formally.
10. Formal stages of the procedure
Formal complaints will normally proceed through the following stages:
– Stage 1 – Acknowledgment and triage within 48 hours of receipt of complaint
– Stage 2 – Initial assessment then within 5 working days
– Stage 3 – Investigation then within 7-14 working days depending on complexity
– Stage 4 – Decision and outcome then within 3 working days
11. Stage 1 – Acknowledgment and triage
FringeReview will normally aim to acknowledge a formal complaint within 5 working days.
At this stage FringeReview will consider:
– whether the complaint is within scope
– whether it is clear enough to understand
– whether it should be resolved informally
– whether it raises an urgent safeguarding, harassment or conflict issue
– whether it concerns the Editor and must be handled under the special Editor procedure
12. Stage 2 – Initial assessment
FringeReview will normally aim to decide within 10 working days of acknowledgment whether:
– the complaint is accepted for formal investigation
– the complaint is accepted in part
– further information is needed
– the complaint can be resolved informally
– the complaint is outside scope or should not proceed
If FringeReview decides not to take a complaint forward, it should normally give a brief written explanation.
13. Stage 3 – Investigation
Where a complaint needs formal investigation, FringeReview will appoint either:
– a single complaint handler, where the matter is straightforward and there is no conflict, or
– a small complaints panel, where the matter is more serious, disputed, sensitive or may lead to a sanction
The complaint handler or panel members should not be the subject of the complaint and should, so far as possible, have no material conflict of interest.
The person complained about should be given a fair opportunity to respond.
The complaint handler or panel may consider relevant material including:
– the published material
– emails or messages
– screenshots
– witness accounts
– review allocations
– previous relevant correspondence
– FringeReview policy documents
– any other material reasonably necessary to understand the complaint
FringeReview may decide a complaint on the written material alone or may speak to one or more of the people involved if that would assist fairness.
FringeReview will normally aim to complete an investigation within 20 working days of the complaint being accepted for formal investigation, but this may be extended where necessary because of the seriousness of the matter, the number of people involved, festival pressures or volunteer availability.
14. Stage 4 – Decision and outcome
Once the complaint has been investigated, FringeReview will decide whether it is:
– upheld
– partly upheld
– not upheld
– resolved by agreement
– discontinued because it can no longer fairly proceed
The complainant should normally receive a written outcome setting out:
– the complaint considered
– the broad basis of the decision
– whether the complaint is upheld, partly upheld or not upheld
– any action FringeReview will take
– whether there is a right of appeal
The level of detail may vary depending on the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter, the privacy rights of others and the need to keep the process proportionate.
15. Possible outcomes and actions
If a complaint is upheld in whole or in part, FringeReview may take one or more of the following steps.
15.1 Editorial outcomes
– correction
– clarification
– editor’s note
– amendment of wording, caption or headline
– removal of inaccurate wording
– apology
– temporary withdrawal of material pending amendment
– removal of published material in exceptional cases
15.2 Procedural outcomes
– acknowledgement that the process was mishandled
– review of a decision by a different person
– revision of an internal practice or policy
– reminder of conflict of interest expectations
– introduction of additional oversight for a period
15.3 Outcomes for reviewers, editors or volunteers
Because FringeReview is a voluntary organisation, the sanctions available are those relating to participation in FringeReview itself. These may include:
– a verbal or written warning
– a request for an apology
– a request not to contact a complainant directly
– removal from a particular review or editorial task
– restriction on reviewing certain people, venues or events
– temporary suspension from reviewing, editing or representing FringeReview
– removal from complaint-handling responsibilities
– permanent removal from FringeReview’s reviewing or editorial activities in serious cases
16. Interim protective measures
Where a complaint raises a serious concern such as harassment, discrimination, intimidation, retaliation, abuse of position, serious conflict of interest or behaviour likely to compromise the complaints process itself, FringeReview may impose temporary protective measures before the complaint is finally determined.
These may include:
– directing that all communication goes through one nominated person
– asking a reviewer or editor not to contact the complainant
– temporarily pausing a person’s reviewing or editorial role
– temporarily removing someone from complaint handling
– temporarily taking down disputed material pending review
Such measures are not final findings and are intended to protect the integrity of the process and the people involved.
17. Governance of complaints
FringeReview should nominate a complaints contact responsible for receiving complaints and ensuring that they are routed appropriately.
Where possible, FringeReview should maintain a small pool of trusted reviewers or editors who can assist with complaints where a panel is needed. A panel should normally consist of two or three people.
Where a complaint is particularly serious, sensitive or conflicted, FringeReview may ask an external trusted person with relevant experience to assist or to sit on a panel in an advisory or decision-making role.
18. Special procedure where the complaint is against the Editor
This section applies where the complaint is about the Editor of FringeReview, especially where the Editor is also the founder, owner or principal organiser of the publication.
18.1 Automatic conflict rule
If the complaint is about the Editor, the Editor must not decide the complaint, investigate it, control the process or hear any appeal.
18.2 Independent handling
The complaint should instead be handled by a panel of at least three people where possible, comprising:
– two FringeReview reviewers or editors who are not implicated in the complaint and are not closely conflicted, and
– one additional person who is either independent of the complaint or, preferably, external to FringeReview
If FringeReview cannot realistically convene three suitable people internally, it should seek one or more external independent participants so that the complaint can be handled fairly.
18.3 Powers of the panel
The panel dealing with a complaint against the Editor may:
– receive and investigate the complaint
– request relevant documents or correspondence
– seek responses from the complainant and the Editor
– consult relevant witnesses
– make findings on the complaint
– impose outcomes under this procedure
– impose interim protective measures where necessary
– suspend the Editor from FringeReview functions for a defined period where justified
18.4 Suspension of the Editor
If the panel considers that the complaint is sufficiently serious, or that the Editor’s continued involvement would risk undermining the fairness or safety of the process, it may impose an interim or final suspension from FringeReview functions.
A suspension may include suspension from:
– editing or commissioning for FringeReview
– assigning reviewers
– handling complaints
– representing FringeReview publicly
– contacting the complainant on FringeReview business
– participating in internal decisions about the complaint
– taking part in FringeReview governance or management discussions about the subject matter of the complaint
Where the Editor is also the founder, owner or principal organiser of FringeReview, a suspension under this procedure does not remove legal ownership or personal association with the publication. It means that, for the period of the suspension, the Editor is suspended from acting in FringeReview functions and decision-making capacities as defined by the panel’s decision.
19. Stage 5 – Appeals procedure
A complainant or the person complained about may appeal a formal decision.
An appeal should normally be based on one or more of the following:
– significant procedural unfairness
– significant new evidence that could not reasonably have been provided earlier
– a material factual error in the decision
– an obvious conflict of interest affecting the outcome
– a sanction or outcome that was plainly disproportionate
An appeal should normally be made within 10 working days of the written outcome.
The appeal should be heard, where possible, by people who were not involved in the original decision and are not materially conflicted.
If the original complaint was against the Editor, the appeal should be heard by a fresh panel with at least one person not involved in the original complaint decision and, where possible, with external involvement.
The appeal body may:
– dismiss the appeal
– uphold the appeal in whole or in part
– vary the outcome
– send the complaint back for further consideration
– substitute a different outcome if that is fair and proportionate
The appeal decision is final within FringeReview’s internal process.
20. Confidentiality, privacy and data protection
FringeReview will handle complaints in a way that respects privacy and confidentiality as far as reasonably possible.
Complaint material may include personal data, private correspondence, screenshots, witness accounts and sensitive allegations. FringeReview will therefore seek to ensure that:
– complaint material is only shared where reasonably necessary
– irrelevant personal material is not circulated unnecessarily
– records are kept securely so far as reasonably possible
– those involved understand that complaint material should not be casually shared or discussed outside the process
Nothing in this procedure requires FringeReview to disclose confidential or personal material more widely than is necessary for fair handling of the complaint.
21. Equality and respectful treatment
FringeReview will seek to administer this procedure fairly and without unlawful discrimination. It will also seek, so far as reasonably possible within a voluntary setting, to make reasonable adjustments where someone’s disability or other circumstances make the usual process difficult to access.
22. Record-keeping
FringeReview should keep a basic written record of formal complaints, including:
– the complaint
– relevant correspondence
– the decision
– any appeal
– any action taken
Given the voluntary nature of FringeReview, record-keeping should be sensible and proportionate rather than bureaucratic, but serious complaints should be documented clearly.
23. Publication of outcomes
FringeReview is not obliged to publish every complaint outcome publicly. However, where a complaint concerns a significant published inaccuracy or a matter requiring public correction, FringeReview should consider whether a correction, clarification or editor’s note ought to be published.
In deciding whether and how to publish any outcome, FringeReview should consider:
– the seriousness of the issue
– whether a public correction is needed
– privacy and confidentiality
– fairness to those involved
– the voluntary nature and limited resources of the organisation
24. Review of this procedure
This procedure should be reviewed periodically by FringeReview, especially if:
– a serious complaint reveals a weakness in the process
– FringeReview’s structure changes
– new safeguarding, legal or governance issues arise
– the procedure proves unrealistic in practice for a voluntary organisationAnd here is the
This procedure was by a human being with careful research assisted by Perplexity.
