Edinburgh49 is dedicated to supporting creative work and those who make it happen. The guiding principle of our editorial policy is that our assessments should provide punters with a trustworthy consumer guide and producers with an informed peer-review. Edinburgh49 reviews address all aspects of the work seen – not the work as it might, should or could have been.
As of September 2014 Edinburgh49 began using ★★★★★ ratings!
Like some other review titles, Edinburgh49 has been wary of star ratings. A show rated 3 stars or less might not attract the audiences that solid work, done well, deserves. Additionally, perceived ‘star inflation’, especially at the Fringe, has seemed to devalue the endorsement of a high star rating.
However, after our first year, we determined that the positives outweigh the negatives. Star ratings are helpful indicators. So long as readers are reasonably clear how a title awards its stars, and so long as producers continue to use pull-quotes to support the endorsement, star ratings serve as reliable shortcuts to the best reviews and to the best productions.
‘Nae Bad’ & ‘Outstanding’
A good review should be able to take subjective views into account while still presenting a balanced and informed opinion.
The Edinburgh49 team uses our ‘Nae Bad’ & ‘Outstanding’ labels as a means of articulating reviewers’ personal reactions to the shows they see. Thus a 3-star show might still be thought ‘Outstanding’ if our writer thinks something truly memorable has been achieved.
Edinburgh49 focuses on identifying the best and the brightest on the arts scene.
Edinburgh49 is not a listings site.
Edinburgh49 only covers work with an EH postcode.
Our rules for reviewers:
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Review fully. Review speedily.
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Review honestly.
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Do not review for friends, lovers, or rivals.
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Review with a clear and open mind.
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Review others as you would wish to be reviewed.
